Deck 1: The Major Issues

Question 1

To determine the contributions of heredity and environment, researchers rely mainly on studies of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

A functional explanation describes why a structure or behavior evolved as it did.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Evolutionary psychology deals with how behaviors have evolved, especially social behaviors.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Sex-linked genes are usually found on the Y chromosome.

Question 5

A strand of DNA serves as a template (model) for the synthesis of RNA molecules.

Question 6

Genes become more prevalent in a population if they contribute to reproductive success.

Question 7

An ontogenetic explanation is one that describes the development of a structure or behavior.

Question 8

The sex chromosomes X and Y are known as autosomal genes.

Question 9

According to Tinbergen, a physiological explanation describes why a structure or behavior evolved as it did.

Question 10

Researchers have found specific genes linked to certain specific behaviors.

Question 11

Neuroscientists are more interested in studying behavior than biological psychologists.

Question 12

Humans have stopped evolving.

Question 13

The damaging effects of phenylalanine in children with PKU are unavoidable.

Question 14

The genetic sex of an offspring is determined primarily by the sex chromosome contributed by the mother.

Question 15

Sex-limited genes are found only on the X and Y chromosome.

Question 16

If both parents are heterozygous, then all of their children should be homozygous.

Question 17

An evolutionary explanation describes why a structure or behavior evolved.

Question 18

It is possible for two heterozygous brown-eyed parents to have blue-eyed children.

Question 19

Genes are the units of heredity.

Question 20

When chromosomes cross over, it is more likely to affect genes that are on separate chromosomes than genes that are on the same chromosome.

Question 21

Professional organizations such as the Society for Neuroscience publish guidelines for the use of animals in research.

Question 22

The question "Given this universe composed of matter and energy, why is there such a thing as consciousness?" is called the ____.

A) cosmic force question
B) mind-body problem
C) universal question
D) biological problem

Question 23

The underlying mechanisms of behavior are similar across species.

Question 24

Understanding how genes, nutrition, and experience work together to produce a tendency toward a particular sexual orientation is an example of a(n) ____ explanation.

A) ontogenetic
B) evolutionary
C) functional
D) common sense

Question 25

Invertebrate nerves follow the same basic principles as human nerves.

Question 26

If a person believes that hormones released at different stages of the menstrual cycle affect a person's mood, then it would be considered a(n) ____ explanation.

A) functional
B) ontogenetic
C) physiological
D) evolutionary

Question 27

A fundamental property is one that ____.

A) answers all questions
B) occurs only in certain parts of the nervous system
C) cannot be reduced to something else
D) cannot be explained

Question 28

A(n) ____ describes how a structure or behavior develops, including the influences of genes, nutrition, experiences, and their interactions.

A) functional
B) ontogenetic
C) physiological
D) evolutionary

Question 29

The dispute between abolitionists and animal researchers is a dispute between two ethical positions.

Question 30

Abolitionists maintain that no animals have the same rights as humans.

Question 31

Research scientists are free to do as they wish when conducting research with animals.

Question 32

Jill is interested in studying how hormones influence sexual behavior of rats. She is most likely a:

A) biological psychologist.
B) neuroscientist.
C) clinical psychologist.
D) psychiatrist.

Question 33

Biological psychologists are primarily interested in the study of the physiological, evolutionary, and ____.

A) social influence on attitudes
B) developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience
C) use of reinforcement to change behavior
D) mental well-being of plants

Question 34

The ethical debate between animal researchers and abolitionists has always proceeded in an intelligent and mutually respectful way.

Question 35

Minimalists do not tolerate any kind of animal research.

Question 36

A(n) ____ explanation describes why a structure or behavior evolved as it did.

A) functional
B) ontogenetic
C) physiological
D) evolutionary

Question 37

Which type of explanation describes how a structure or behavior develops?

A) Physiological
B) Ontogenetic
C) Evolutionary
D) Functional

Question 38

The primary difference between biological psychologists and neuroscientists is that neuroscientists place greater emphasis on studying:

A) chemistry.
B) psychology.
C) biology.
D) behavior.

Question 39

At the microscopic level, we find two kinds of cells: ____.

A) molecules and mitochondria
B) mitochondria and glia
C) neurons and glia
D) neurons and molecules

Question 40

Much of biological psychology concerns:

A) chemistry.
B) brain functioning.
C) neurology.
D) anatomy.

Question 41

An evolutionary explanation of why we get goose bumps when cold is that:

A) the sympathetic nervous system is activated.
B) we inherited the mechanism from our remote ancestors who had more hair.
C) it keeps us warm.
D) children are often raised in cold environments.

Question 42

In most bird species, only the male sings and then only in his territory during the reproductive season. This is to attract females and to ward off other males, which serves to improve their chances of mating. This behavior demonstrates:

A) that physiological explanations are preferred over other kinds of explanations.
B) learning during a critical period.
C) that physiological, ontogenetic, evolutionary, and functional explanations are mutually exclusive.
D) how physiological, ontogenetic, evolutionary, and functional explanations can all be used to explain the same behavior.

Question 43

An adult male sparrow sings its normal song:

A) if he hears the song during a sensitive period early in his life.
B) only when he hears a female bird singing.
C) if his own species' song is the first song he hears when young.
D) regardless of whether or not he has ever heard his species' song from another bird.

Question 44

A(n) ____ explanation would describe eating in terms of the hypothalamus affecting insulin production, which affects the availability of glucose in cells.

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 45

A person who studies the influence of genetic predisposition to be aggressive in combination with early aggressive experiences is seeking for a(n) ____ explanation.

A) physiological
B) behavioral
C) evolutionary
D) ontogenetic

Question 46

A functional explanation of why giraffes have such long necks is that:

A) it lowers the blood pressure in their brains.
B) their necks became longer because they stretched them.
C) it allows them greater access to their food supply.
D) parent giraffes make their babies reach for food.

Question 47

Which of the following would be a functional explanation for why birds sing?

A) Testosterone causes the growth of certain brain areas which control singing in certain birds.
B) Birds sing due to instinct.
C) Birds sing because they hear their song early in life and form a template which controls later singing.
D) Birds sing to defend territories and attract mates.

Question 48

Mapping out the relationship between shared bone structures across different species suggests there is a(n) ____ explanation.

A) ontogenetic
B) evolutionary
C) behavioral
D) physiological

Question 49

Which type of explanation might describe the presence of a behavior in a particular species by showing how that behavior increased the reproductive success of the species?

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) solipsistic

Question 50

Which of the following is TRUE about genetic drift?

A) It occurs more often in large populations.
B) It occurs when species move to a new location.
C) It takes thousands of years to happen.
D) It occurs more often in small populations.

Question 51

Having camouflage that matches an animal's typical surroundings in order to provide protection from predators is an example of a(n) ____ explanation.

A) evolutionary
B) functional
C) ontogenetic
D) physiological

Question 52

A(n) ____ explanation of human behavior is often controversial, because many behaviors alleged to be part of our evolutionary heritage could have been learned instead.

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 53

Explaining differences in running speed as a function of differences in muscle fiber types is an example of a(n) ____ explanation.

A) ontogenetic
B) physiological
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 54

Which type of explanation describes the advantages provided by a particular structure or behavior?

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 55

The amygdala appears to be an important part of the brain for experiencing fear. Which of the following is an example of a functional explanation of fear?

A) Describing the anatomical connections between the amygdala and other parts of the brain
B) Describing the neurotransmitters involved in the activity of the amygdala
C) Describing why fear improves the chances for survival
D) Describing how fears develop in infancy

Question 56

In a small population of sheep, the dominant male may produce many more offspring than the other males, spreading his genes. This is an example of:

A) a physiological explanation.
B) artificial selection.
C) genetic drift.
D) recombination.

Question 57

How human language develops as the result of genes and the opportunity to hear language during a sensitive period in early life is an example of a(n) ____ explanation.

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 58

Which of the following would be a physiological explanation for why birds sing?

A) Testosterone causes the growth of certain brain areas which control singing in certain birds.
B) Birds sing due to instinct.
C) Birds sing because they hear their song early in life and form a template which controls later singing.
D) Birds sing to defend territories and attract mates.

Question 59

Understanding differences in intelligence as a function of early learning experiences is an example of a(n) ____ explanation.

A) ontogenetic
B) physiological
C) functional
D) evolutionary

Question 60

In certain species of songbirds, development of the song requires the opportunity to hear the appropriate song during a sensitive period in life as well as the genes to prepare them to learn the song. This is a(n) ____ explanation of birdsong.

A) physiological
B) ontogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) functional

Question 61

The sea dragon is a fish that looks and acts like kelp in order to attract its food. The explanation that proposed that this is due to genetic modification that expands smaller appendages already present in these fish's ancestors would be the ____ explanation.

A) functional
B) evolutionary
C) otogenetic
D) biological

Question 62

The use of certain behaviors for camouflage is something that would be covered with the ____ explanation.

A) functional
B) otogenetic
C) evolutionary
D) physiological

Question 63

Biological psychology is a field of study and a ____.

A) fundamental property
B) string theory
C) way to understand our place in the cosmos
D) point of view

Question 64

Goose bumps ____ in humans.

A) show fear
B) show anger
C) create intimidation
D) no longer serve a purpose

Question 65

A ____ helps people with emotional distress or troublesome behaviors, sometimes using drugs or other medical procedures.

A) clinical psychologist
B) psychiatrist
C) neuropsychologist
D) counseling psychologist

Question 66

A(n) ____ investigates the chemical reactions in the brain.

A) neurochemist
B) psychophysiologist
C) comparative psychologist
D) neurologist

Question 67

The explanation that would be used to call attention to the presence of goose bumps in humans would be the ____ explanation.

A) evolutionary
B) otogenetic
C) neurological
D) physiological

Question 68

Fields that focus on research include all of the following except:

A) neuroscience.
B) neuropsychology.
C) neurochemistry.
D) neurology.

Question 69

The view of the brain from above is called the ____ view.

A) anterior
B) ventral
C) dorsal
D) posterior

Question 70

Consciousness occurs:

A) in all kinds of nervous systems some of the time.
B) In certain parts of certain kinds of nervous system all of the time.
C) in certain parts of certain kinds of nervous systems some of the time.
D) in all kinds of nervous systems all of the time.

Question 71

The brain has an enormous number of ____ and ____.

A) sections; spaces
B) divisions; subareas
C) appendages; spaces
D) sections; subareas

Question 72

In addition to when you are in a dreamless sleep, consciousness does not occur when you are ____

A) in a coma.
B) daydreaming.
C) watching television.
D) exercising.

Question 73

Most ____ have a mixture of psychological and medical training, and they work in hospitals and clinics.

A) neurochemists
B) neuropsychologists
C) neurologists
D) neuroscientists

Question 74

The erections of hairs on the body, most often around arms and shoulders are called:

A) static.
B) fur.
C) goose bumps.
D) insulation.

Question 75

The ____ explanation calls attention to features left over from ancestors that serve little or no function in descendants.

A) otogenetic
B) physiological
C) evolutionary
D) biological

Question 76

In furry animals, the erection of hairs helps the animal:

A) show fear.
B) hide.
C) look intimidating.
D) get warm.

Question 77

The view of the brain from below is called the ____ view.

A) anterior
B) linear
C) ventral
D) dorsal

Question 78

Consciousness does not occur when:

A) you are awake.
B) you are dreaming.
C) You are daydreaming.
D) you are in a dreamless sleep.

Question 79

A stroke patient might seek the aid of a(n) ____ to increase the functions of daily life.

A) neuroscientist
B) clinical psychologist
C) occupational therapist
D) neurochemist

Question 80

Each of the following requires a Ph.D. except for a ____.

A) clinical psychologist
B) counseling psychologist
C) school psychologist
D) social worker