Question 1

The limbic system-the forebrain areas surrounding the thalamus-has been regarded as non-critical for emotion.

Accepted Answer

The limbic system has long been recognized as a critical area for emotion. It includes structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, which are involved in emotional processing, memory, and physiological responses to stress.

Question 2

In people with an uncommon condition called pure autonomic failure, output from the autonomic nervous system to the body fails, either completely or almost completely.

Accepted Answer

Pure autonomic failure is a rare condition in which the autonomic nervous system is significantly impaired, leading to problems with regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and other essential bodily functions. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, bladder dysfunction, and gastrointestinal problems. The condition is typically progressive and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Question 3

Low serotonin turnover is associated with reduced aggression.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

People with damage to either the prefrontal cortex or the amygdala show difficulties processing emotional information.

Accepted Answer

Both the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala play a crucial role in emotional processing. Damage to either region can result in emotional difficulties. The prefrontal cortex is involved in regulating emotions and making decisions based on emotional information, while the amygdala is involved in the initial processing and responding to emotional stimuli.

Question 5

The more important contributions to emotions come from the effects of the autonomic nervous system, not muscle activity.

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in the experience and expression of emotions, controlling physiological responses such as heart rate, breathing, sweating, and digestion. Muscle activity may be involved in the expression of emotions but is not as important as autonomic responses.

Question 6

The amygdala is important only for the expression of fear.

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is not only important for the expression of fear, but also plays a role in other emotions such as aggression, anxiety, and pleasure. It also has a role in memory processing and decision making.

Question 7

Prefrontal cortex damage always results in poor decisions.

Accepted Answer

Not all damage to the prefrontal cortex results in poor decision-making; the effects depend on the specific area and extent of the damage.

Question 8

The most commonly used anti-anxiety drugs are the benzodiazepines.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used class of drugs for anxiety disorders.

Question 9

The pattern of physiological reactions for each emotion is easily distinguishable by the person who is experiencing them.

Accepted Answer

The pattern of physiological reactions for different emotions can be quite similar, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between them based solely on physiological responses. Emotions like fear, excitement, and anxiety can produce similar physical reactions, such as increased heart rate and sweating, making them hard to differentiate without considering cognitive appraisal and context.

Question 10

Amygdala damage will result in the complete loss of the startle response.

Accepted Answer

While the amygdala plays a major role in the startle response, it is not the only structure involved. Other brain regions, such as the brainstem, also contribute to the startle reflex. Therefore, damage to the amygdala may impair the startle response, but it will not necessarily result in its complete loss.

Question 11

Psychologists typically define emotion in terms of three components.

Accepted Answer

Psychologists typically define emotion in terms of three components: subjective experience, physiological response, and behavioral expression.

Question 12

Increasing the amount of phenylalanine in the diet may interfere with the synthesis of serotonin.

Accepted Answer

Phenylalanine is a precursor for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as the amino acid tyrosine. However, excessive intake of phenylalanine can inhibit the transport of tryptophan to the brain, which is necessary for the synthesis of serotonin. Therefore, increasing the amount of phenylalanine in the diet may interfere with serotonin synthesis.

Question 13

The insula is strongly activated if you see a disgusting picture.

Accepted Answer

The insula is a region of the brain that is strongly activated in response to disgust. Therefore, if you see a disgusting picture or experience a revolting taste or smell, the insula is likely to be involved in your neural processing.

Question 14

Most of the vigorous emotional behaviors we observe in animals fall into the categories of attack and escape.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Attack and escape are common emotional behaviors seen in various animals when they perceive a threat or danger.

Question 15

The right hemisphere seems to be more responsive to emotional stimuli than the left hemisphere.

Accepted Answer

Research studies have suggested that the right hemisphere of the brain is more specialized for processing emotions compared to the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere is involved in recognizing and processing facial expressions, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues associated with emotions. In contrast, the left hemisphere is more specialized for language and logical thinking. However, both hemispheres work together to process emotions in a complex and integrated manner.

Question 16

According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, we experience physiological changes first and then label these changes as an emotion.

Accepted Answer

According to the James-Lange theory, physiological changes precede the conscious experience of emotion and we interpret these changes as different emotions.

Question 17

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder are more likely to have a suppressed startle reflex.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder are more...

Question 18

Emotions are important for decision making.

Accepted Answer

Emotions play a crucial role in decision making as they provide important information about our values, concerns, and goals. They help us make choices that align with our personal interests and beliefs. Additionally, emotions can influence our perception of the outcomes of different decisions, ultimately affecting the choices we make.

Question 19

Activity in the amygdala can change without the person being consciously aware of an emotional stimulus.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the amygdala can exhibit increased activity in response to emotional stimuli even when the person is not consciously aware of such stimuli. This suggests that some emotional processing can occur unconsciously.

Question 20

The amygdala is one of the main areas for integrating both environmental and genetic influences, and then regulating the current level of anxiety.

Accepted Answer

The amygdala plays a key role in integrating information from the environment and genetics, and then regulating the level of anxiety accordingly.

Quiz 12: Emotional Behaviors