Lesson 5: Psychoactive Drugs and Attention

Question 1

True or False? Psychoactive drugs have the ability to alter our consciousness, perceptions, increase our mood, calm us down, and make us feel more alert.

Answer 1

True. Psychoactive drugs have the ability to alter our consciousness, perceptions, increase our mood, calm us down, and make us feel more alert.

Question 2

Of the four main classes of psychoactive drugs, which class is known for lowering the body’s Central Nervous System’s activity, decreasing the processing speed of the brain, and lowering one’s heart rate and blood pressure?

(A) Depressants
(B) Stimulants
(C) Hallucinogens
(D) Opiates/Opioids

Answer 2

(A) Depressants

Depressants are known for lowering the body’s Central Nervous System’s activity, decreasing the processing speed of the brain, and lowering one’s heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 3

Which type of depressant is known as tranquilizers, and is used to induce sleep or reduce anxiety, however is often not prescribed because of negative side effects such as reduced memory, judgement, concentration and addiction?

(A) Barbiturates
(B) Benzodiazepines
(C) Alcohol
(D) Marijuana

Answer 3

(A) Barbiturates

Barbiturates are known as tranquilizers, and are used to induce sleep or reduce anxiety, however are often not prescribed because of negative side effects such as reduced memory, judgement, concentration and addiction

Question 4

Which type of depressant is the most commonly prescribed suppressant that is used to treat insomnia, anxiety and seizures, acting as an anticonvulsant?

(A) Barbiturates
(B) Benzodiazepines
(C) Alcohol
(D) Marijuana

Answer 4

(B) Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed depressant and is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures, acting as an anticonvulsant.

Question 5

Alcohol is often associated with nightlife, dancing, bars, and a fun time. Why is alcohol then considered a depressant?

Answer 5

Alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions and thus decreases one’s cognitive control, a common symptom among depressants. Alcohol inhibits logical thinking and common symptoms for other depressants are observed for alcohol as well; ex: lack of coordination, slurring of speech, etc.

Question 6

CRB Which of the following system(s) are stimulated by alcohol consumption?

I. GABA
II. Dopamine
III. Serotonin

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) I, II and III

Answer 6

(C) I and II only

The GABA and Dopamine systems are affected by alcohol consumption. GABA is associated with reduced anxiety, whereas Dopamine is associated with the minor euphoria.

Question 7

CRB One of the main affects of alcohol is sometimes referred to as “Alcohol Myopia”. Which of the following is the most accurate description of Alcohol Myopia?

(A) Literal near-sightedness while drunk.
(B) Literal far-sightedness while drunk.
(C) Not realizing the consequences of actions, like having a short-sighted view of the world.
(D) Worrying too much about unlikely consequences after drinking, like having a far-sighted view of the world.

Answer 7

(C) Not realizing the consequences of actions, like having a short-sighted view of the world.

Question 8

CRB fill in the blanks: Alcoholism is more prevalent in _______-Socioeconomic Status (SES) people, and those people tend to enter recovery at ________ rates.

(A) Higher, Higher
(B) Lower, Higher
(C) Higher, Lower
(D) Lower, Lower

Answer 8

(B) Lower, Higher

Alcoholism is more prevalent in Lower-Socioeconomic Status (SES) people, and those people tend to enter recovery at Higher rates.

Question 9

Of the four main classes of psychoactive drugs, which class is known for exciting the Central Nervous System, increasing one’s Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, awareness, and energy?

(A) Depressants
(B) Stimulants
(C) Hallucinogens
(D) Opiates/Opioids

Answer 9

(B) Stimulants

Stimulants are the class of psychoactive drugs known for exciting the Central Nervous System, increasing one’s Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, awareness, and energy.

Question 10

Why don’t combining stimulants and depressants cancel each other out? (Hint: think mechanistically)

Answer 10

Although they have opposite effects, they do not work on the same Neurotransmitters or neurochemical pathways, so effects on both ends of the spectrum are felt.

Question 11

Of the four main classes of psychoactive drugs, which class is referred to as psychedelics? This class is known for causing distorted perception in its users, such as heightened sensations, mood swings and increased/decreased energy, however their exact effect is different for each individual personality?

(A) Depressants
(B) Stimulants
(C) Hallucinogens
(D) Opiates/Opioids

Answer 11

(C) Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are referred to as psychedelics and known for causing distorted perception in its users such as heightened sensations, mood swings and increased/decreased energy, however the exact effect is different for each individual personality.

Examples: LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), PCP

Question 12

Of the four main classes of drugs, which class is known to decrease Central Nervous System function, decrease Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, cause relaxation and also act as an analgesic, reducing the perception of pain?

(A) Depressants
(B) Stimulants
(C) Hallucinogens
(D) Opiates/Opioids

Answer 12

(D) Opiates/Opioids

Opiates/Opioids are known to decrease Central Nervous System function, decrease Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, cause relaxation and also act as an analgesic, reducing the perception of pain.

Ex: Morphine, heroine, codine

Question 13

While referred to as the same class of psychoactive drugs, what is the small distinction between Opiates and Opioids?

Answer 13

Opiates are natural varieties of the drug, while Opioids are synthetic varieties of the drug.

Question 14

What differentiates the effects of opiates/opioids vs. depressants?

Answer 14

Opiates can also work as analgesics. Also, the two classes work via different mechanisms:

Opiates - stimulate endorphin receptors.

Depressants - enhance GABA receptors.

Question 15

Benzodiazepines, often shortened to “Benzos”, can be prescribed for conditions from insomnia to anxiety. If their mechanism is opening chloride channels, how does “Benzos” repress insomnia and anxiety?

Answer 15

By opening chloride channels, neurons will become hyperpolarized as the negative charge rushes in, decreasing neuronal firing rate, which results in relaxation.

Question 16

_______________ Benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia, while _______________ Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety.

(A) Short-Acting, Short-Acting
(B) Short-Acting, Long-Acting
(C) Long-Acting, Short-Acting
(D) Long-Acting, Long-Acting

Answer 16

(B) Short-Acting, Long-Acting

Short-Acting Benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia, while Long-Acting Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety.

Question 17

By what mechanism does MDMA (ecstasy) function as both a stimulant and hallucinogen?

Answer 17

MDMA can increase both dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, leading to increased CNS and heart activity. The extreme increase in serotonin can also lead to hallucinations and damaged serotonin neurons.

Question 18

Why are some hallucinogens used to treat patients with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)?

Answer 18

Hallucinogens can allow people to access painful memories from the past without strong emotions, therefore allowing people to properly handle such an experience.

Question 19

A hot-button topic for 21st century medicine is if medical marijuana should be legalized/prescribed. Which classes of drugs does Tetrahydrocannabinol (the active ingredient) act like?

(A) Stimulant and depressant
(B) Depressant and narcotic
(C) Depressant and hallucinogen
(D) Stimulant and hallucinogen

Answer 19

(C) Depressant and hallucinogen

THC both increases perceptual sensitivity (hallucinogen) and inhibits the CNS (depressant)

Question 20

What refers to the process your body takes to maintain body temperature, heartbeat, metabolism, and it can occur when the body is resting or even taking drugs?

(A) Hallucination
(B) Homeostasis
(C) Inhalation
(D) Relaxation

Answer 20

(B) Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the process your body takes to maintain body temperature, heartbeat, metabolism, and it can occur when the body is resting or even taking drugs.

Question 21

In terms of homeostasis and the body’s ability to adapt, why do regular drug users need a higher dose of drugs over time?

Answer 21

As the body adapts to drug use, it begins to prepare itself before the drug user takes the drug. Because the body prepares itself, the same dose of drugs is not as effective and the drug user needs to take more of the drug to feel the same high. ie: Tolerance or Habituation.
A similar situation is seen with people who are regular coffee drinkers.

Question 22

Which route of drug entry refers to ingesting a drug, and is one of the slowest routes because of the time it takes for the drug to pass through the GI tract?

(A) Oral
(B) Inhalation
(C) Injection
(D) Transdermal

Answer 22

(A) Oral

The Oral route of drug entry refers to ingesting a drug, and is one of the slowest routes because of the time it takes for the drug to pass through the GI tract.

Question 23

Which route of drug entry refers to breathing in, snorting, or smoking the particular drug? This method is highly addictive and it does not take long for the drug to travel to the brain.

(A) Oral
(B) Inhalation
(C) Injection
(D) Transdermal

Answer 23

(B) Inhalation

Inhalation refers to breathing in, snorting, or smoking the particular drug. This method is highly addictive and it does not take long for the drug to travel to the brain.

Question 24

Which route of drug entry is the most direct, and goes right to the vein, entering the circulatory system very quickly? This method can be very dangerous, and is a highly addictive method of drug delivery.

(A) Inhalation
(B) Intramuscular
(C) Injection
(D) Transdermal

Answer 24

(C) Injection

Injection is the route of drug entry that is most direct and goes right to the vein, entering the circulatory system very quickly. This method can be very dangerous, and is a highly addictive method of drug delivery.

Question 25

Which route of drug delivery refers to the drug being absorbed through the skin, and is released into the bloodstream over several hours?

(A) Inhalation
(B) Intramuscular
(C) Injection
(D) Transdermal

Answer 25

(D) Transdermal

Transdermal drug routes refer to the drug being absorbed through the skin, and is released into the bloodstream over several hours.

Ex: Nicotine patches

Question 26

Which route of drug delivery refers to the drug being delivered by needle into the muscle, and can be either a quick or slow delivery of the drug?

(A) Inhalation
(B) Intramuscular
(C) Injection
(D) Transdermal

Answer 26

(B) Intramuscular

Intramuscular drug delivery refers to the drug being delivered by needle into the muscle, and can be either a quick or slow delivery of the drug

Question 27

True or False? The faster a drug takes affect on the body, the less likely someone will be dependent on the drug.

Answer 27

False. The faster a drug takes affect on the body, the MORE likely someone will be dependent on the drug.

Question 28

When you experience pleasure, the common neurotransmitter that the brain releases is ____________, which is produced in the _______________ of the midbrain.

(A) Serotonin, Pons
(B) Dopamine, Limbic System
(C) Dopamine, Ventral Tegmental Area
(D) Serotonin, Ventral Tegmental Area

Answer 28

(C) Dopamine, Ventral Tegmental Area

When you experience pleasure, the common neurotransmitter that the brain releases is dopamine, which is produced in the Ventral Tegmental Area of the midbrain.

Question 29

True or False? When experiencing pleasure, the Ventral Tegmental Area sends dopamine to the Amygdala, Nucleus Accumbens, Prefrontal Cortex, and the Hippocampus.

Answer 29

True. When experiencing pleasure, the Ventral Tegmental Area sends dopamine to the Amygdala, Nucleus Accumbens, Prefrontal Cortex, and the Hippocampus.

Question 30

Dopamine is involved in many neural activities. Match the structure to its activity caused by dopamine:

(1) Amygdala
(2) Prefrontal Cortex
(3) Hippocampus
(4) Nucleus Accumbens

(A) Memory formation
(B) Emotion
(C) Attention and planning
(D) Controls Motor Function and Pleasure Center

Answer 30

(1) Amygdala -> (B) Emotion
(2) Prefrontal Cortex -> (C) Attention and planning
(3) Hippocampus -> (A) Memory formation
(4) Nucleus Accumbens -> (D) Controls Motor Function and Pleasure Center

Question 31

CRB Which of the following areas of the brain is most involved in developing addictions?

(A) Amygdala
(B) Prefrontal Cortex
(C) Hippocampus
(D) Nucleus Accumbens

Answer 31

(D) Nucleus Accumbens

As the pleasure center of the brain, the Nucleus Accumbens’ dopaminergic pathway is most involved in developing addictons.

Question 32

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for satiation and content. What happens to Serotonin levels when Dopamine levels increase due to heightened euphoria and pleasure?

Answer 32

When Dopamine levels increase, Serotonin levels decrease. Therefore, drug addiction is quite easy if your ability to feel content and satiated decreases with increased drug intake.

Question 33

What refers to the fact that after getting used to the effects of a drug, one needs more of a drug to achieve the same high?

A) Tolerance
B) Withdrawal
C) Intoxication
D) Relapse

Answer 33

A) Tolerance

Tolerance refers to the fact that after getting used to the effects of a drug, one needs more of a drug to achieve the same high.

Question 34

True or False? As one becomes addicted to cocaine, the brain adapts to the influx of dopamine. The long term stimulation of the dopamine receptors causes the brain to shut down some post-synaptic receptors therefore causing the individual to increase the amount of cocaine needed to achieve a high.

Answer 34

True. As one becomes addicted to cocaine, the brain adapts to the influx of dopamine. The long term stimulation of the dopamine receptors causes the brain to shut down some post-synaptic receptors therefore causing the individual to increase the amount of cocaine needed to achieve a high.

Question 35

When one becomes addicted to a drug and suddenly goes through a period of not having the drug, what does the individual experience?

A) Tolerance
B) Withdrawal
C) Intoxication
D) Relapse

Answer 35

B) Withdrawal

When one becomes addicted to a drug and suddenly goes through a period of not having the drug, the individual experiences withdrawal.

Question 36

A major problem in recovering from drugs is the dependence that the nervous system can develop for outside sources of dopamine and/or serotonin. What happens in the neural synapses to cause this natural decrease in dopamine/serotonin production?

Answer 36

When the drug is taken initially, the synapses are flooded by excess dopamine/serotonin. With this overstimulation, the brain acts by shutting down some membrane receptors can lower production of these neurotransmitters and/or the number of channels in the membrane, decreasing sensitivity.

Question 37

____________ refers to drug-specific behavioral and psychological effects on a person when the drug enters the body.

A) Tolerance
B) Withdrawal
C) Intoxication
D) Cross tolerance

Answer 37

C) Intoxication

Intoxication refers to drug-specific behavioral and psychological effects on a person when the drug enters the body.

Question 38

For highly addictive drugs, ___________ is common because it is easy for patients to slip and go back to old habits and environments.

A) Relapse
B) Cross tolerance
C) Intoxication
D) Withdrawal

Answer 38

A) Relapse

For highly addictive drugs, relapse is common because it is easy for patients to slip and go back to old habits and environments.

Question 39

How is attention split between multiple tasks, and why does this make multi-tasking less effective?

Answer 39

Attention is not actually split between two tasks simultaneously, but rather only focuses on one at a time. These gaps in attending to each task makes multitasking ineffective.

Question 40

Explain how selective attention might be compared to a flashlight?

Answer 40

Selective attention will focus on one area, while everything outside of it will be “dimmer”, but can be noticed more if the focus is shifted to that area.

Question 41

CRB Which of the following types of tasks is most likely to be able to be done with divided attention?

(A) Controlled Processing
(B) Effortful processing
(C) Complex tasks
(D) Automatic Processing

Answer 41

(D) Automatic Processing

A task using Automatic Processing is familiar or routine, so this could be done with divided attention. Hopefully your studying does not fall under this category!!

Question 42

CRB Could a task possibly move from Controlled/Effortful Processing to Automatic Processing? If so, provide a common example.

Answer 42

Yes, a task could move from Controlled/Effortful Processing to Automatic Processing with enough practice. A very common example would be driving; once you have learned to drive and practiced enough, you could also talk with passengers or sing along to your playlist!

Question 43

Compare Exogenous vs. Endogenous Cues.

Answer 43

Exogenous cues are external to our goals, will capture attention anyways (loud noise).

Endogenous cues are more internalized and require higher order thought (seeing an arrow and knowing it means to look/go that direction).

Question 44

Imagine a Great Gatsby-sized party. Through all of those voices, you can focus on the one you are conversing with until you hear your name from across the room, switching your attention. What does this scenario best demonstrate?

(A) Primacy Effect
(B) Cocktail Party Effect
(C) Descriptivist Theory of Names
(D) Change Blindness

Answer 44

(B) Cocktail Party Effect

Question 45

The “Invisible Gorilla” is a famous experiment where watchers are asked to track a ball in a film, and more than half will miss a gorilla walking across the screen! This experiment best demonstrates which principle?

(A) Inattentional blindness
(B) Change blindness
(C) Intentional blindness
(D) Momentary blindness

Answer 45

(A) Inattentional blindness

Check out the video here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

Question 46

In one experiment, a man will ask someone on a busy street for directions. Some interruption will distract the direction giver, and the asker will be replaced by a different person, and most direction givers won’t notice. This experiment best demonstrates which principle?

(A) Inattentional blindness
(B) Change blindness
(C) Intentional blindness
(D) Momentary blindness

Answer 46

(B) Change blindness

Change blindness is failing to notice changes between a previous and current state

Question 47

How does Deutsch and Deutsch’s Late Selection Theory differ from Broadbent’s Early Selection Theory?

Answer 47

The selective filter that discriminates information to be processed in Deutsch’s is after the perceptual processing, but is before this in Broadbent’s.

Question 48

How does Treisman’s Attenuation Theory alter the idea of a selective filter?

Answer 48

Instead of a complete filter, there is simply an attenuator that will not amplify the not-attended information. This focus could then be switched.

Question 49

How does priming affect selective attention?

Answer 49

We attend to information we have been primed for, even if not consciously thought about. For example, after eating, you would be primed to recognize food words in a word scramble.

Question 50

CRB Alan Baddeley’s model builds upon the previous theories of attention of perception. In his “Working Memory” model, which of the following components allows information in the working memory to interact with information in long-term memory?

(A) Central Executive
(B) Episodic Buffer
(C) Phonological Loop
(D) Visuospatial Sketchpad

Answer 50

(B) Episodic Buffer

The episodic buffer is where information in working memory can interact with information in long-term memory.

Question 51

CRB Compare the Visuospatial Sketchpad and Phonological Loop.

Answer 51

Both the Visuospatial Sketchpad and Phonological Loop are components of the Working Memory theory.

The Visuospatial Sketchpad uses mental images, whereas the phonological loop allows one to repeat verbal information to keep remembering it.

Question 52

If a person strongly believes in the spotlight and resource models, what would their opinion be on multi-tasking?

Answer 52

That the ability to multi-task is ineffective, and attending to one set of stimuli is more effective.

Question 53

CRB Alan Baddeley’s model builds upon the previous theories of attention of perception. In his “Working Memory” model, which of the following components orchestrates the other three processes by shifting and dividing attention?

(A) Central Executive
(B) Episodic Buffer
(C) Phonological Loop
(D) Visuospatial Sketchpad

Answer 53

(A) Central Executive

The central executive orchestrates the other three components of the Working Memory model by shifting and dividing attention.