Chapter 1: Introduction

Question 1

What is neuroscience?

Answer 1

The study of the nervous system, which interprets information and coordinates the bodies response to environments.

Question 2

The brain

Answer 2

A complex organ with connection in roots the other organs or within the brain.
- Connections that communicate down the body are muscle movements.
- Connections ascend into the brain conveying info from our surroundings.
- Uses that protection to prepare the body for conflict.

Question 3

How does the nervous system convey information?

Answer 3

By using chemical and electrical signals.

Question 4

Neurons

Answer 4

• The main active cellular unit of the nervous system.
• Highly sensitive to changes.
• Produces action potential.

Question 5

Action Potential

Answer 5

All-or-nothing response.
- Once the electrical charge in a neuron which is its threshold, it fires an action potential at full strength.
- If the threshold isn’t reached, no action potential is fired.

Question 6

How are neurotransmitters released?

Answer 6

During an action potential, neurons change their electric properties to allow for the release of neurotransmitters.

Question 7

How are neurotransmitters released?

Answer 7

During an action potential, neurons change their electric properties to allow for the release of neurotransmitters.

Question 8

Experimental Design

Answer 8

Used to establish a casual relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

Question 9

Steps in experimental design

Answer 9

• Develop a research question.
• Formulate hypothesis.
• Perform tests to answer the research question.

Question 10

Control group

Answer 10

Used for the comparison to see the effects of the independent variable.
**Done by group as similar as possible, except for the manipulation of the independent group.

Question 11

Independent variable

Answer 11

A factor that’s intentionally being changed.

Question 12

Dependent variable

Answer 12

Factor that’s being influenced by the independent variable.

Question 13

Confounding variable

Answer 13

Not the main focus but could influence the results if not controlled.

Question 14

Representative population

Answer 14

Distribution characteristics in the sample that is similar to the total population.

Question 15

Representative population

Answer 15

Distribution characteristics in the sample that is similar to the total population.

Question 16

Observational study

Answer 16

Gaining scientific information without manipulating variables.

Question 17

Guasiexperimental design

Answer 17

• Several uncontrolled factors.
• Used when experimental studies may be too impractical or unethical.

Question 18

Case study

Answer 18

Detail description of a single patient in their condition. Case studies show correlation is not causation.

Question 19

Myth. We only use 10% of our brain

Answer 19

1. Our brain is active most of the time.
2. Brain activity is closely regulated by multiple mechanisms, which prevent unusual electrical activity.
3. Excessive neural activity causes seizures.

Question 20

Myth: Forming memories causes new neurons to be born

Answer 20

1. Memories are most likely stored at the synapsis.
2. Memories are formed and stored through changes in how neurons connect and communicate with each other at the synapsid.
3. Cell reproduction stops at adult neurons, new neuron growth is possible through a process called neurogenesis.

Question 21

Myth: The brain cannot repair itself

Answer 21

1. The brain repairs itself through phenomenon called plasticity (the brains ability to change and adapt overtime).

Question 22

Myth: If your analytical , you’re in left dominant but if you’re creative, you’re right

Answer 22

1. Processing of language mostly happens in the left hemisphere.
2. Contralateral organization: signals from the left brain crosses over to communicate with the right path of the body, vice versa.