Question 1

The areas of the brain related to sensory functions, such as the visual cortex, show relatively little
A) shrinkage.
B) improvement across the life span.
C) white matter.
D) intensity.

Accepted Answer

The areas of the brain related to sensory functions, like the visual cortex, tend to show relatively little shrinkage compared to other areas as we age. This is because sensory areas may be less susceptible to the age-related structural changes that affect other parts of the brain.

Question 2

Abnormal processing of which neurotransmitter has been implicated in cognitive decline in normal aging, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia?
A) Serotonin
B) Dopamine
C) Acetylcholine
D) Cerebraltonin

Accepted Answer

The answer of Abnormal processing of which neurotransmitter has been...

Question 3

Neuroimaging has allowed us to
A) determine what a healthy brain looks like.
B) see exactly how the brain changes over time.
C) determine which brain changes are normative and which are not.
D) see inside the brain of a living person to examine the various structures of the brain.

Accepted Answer

Neuroimaging allows us to see inside the brain of living individuals and examine the various structures and functions of the brain. While neuroimaging can provide information about normative brain changes over time, it cannot definitively determine which changes are normative versus non-normative without additional context or information.

Question 4

Research clearly shows that brain plasticity is enhanced as a result of
A) online "brain-training" exercises.
B) aerobic exercise.
C) having parents with high IQs.
D) lack of pollution in one's environment.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that aerobic exercise enhances brain plasticity by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which in turn promotes the growth and survival of neurons. Online "brain-training" exercises have mixed results and may only improve specific cognitive skills within the trained task, but do not necessarily enhance overall brain plasticity. Having parents with high IQs may have a genetic component, but does not necessarily enhance brain plasticity. Lack of pollution in one's environment may have health benefits, but there is no evidence to suggest it directly enhances brain plasticity.

Question 5

When examining bilateral prefrontal engagement of older adults, which of the following is true?
A) Older adults show less prefrontal bilateral activity during working memory tasks than younger adults.
B) Low-performing older adults show left-lateralized activation during a long-term memory task.
C) High-performing older adults show no bilateral prefrontal engagement.
D) High-performing older adults show bilateral prefrontal engagement.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D as high-performing older adults show bilateral prefrontal engagement when completing cognitive tasks. Low-performing older adults may show left-lateralized activation during long-term memory tasks, but this is not related to bilateral prefrontal engagement. Additionally, older adults, in general, show less prefrontal bilateral activity during working memory tasks compared to younger adults, but this is not specific to high-performing individuals.

Question 6

The emotional processing areas of the brain are more _________ over time, whereas higher-order executive cognitive processes seem to __________.
A) preserved; decline
B) conserved; increase
C) preserved; increase
D) conserved; decline

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that the emotional processing areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and insula, are relatively preserved with age, while higher-order executive cognitive processes, such as working memory and cognitive flexibility, decline.

Question 7

Research by Winecoff and colleagues (2011) indicates that as cognitive abilities decline, people may be less able to , a pattern typical in diseases such as dementia.
A) ignore irrelevant information
B) learn new tasks
C) hold as many pieces of information in working memory at one time
D) regulate their emotions

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research by Winecoff and colleagues (2011) indicates...

Question 8

Erikson and colleagues (2009) were interested in whether aerobic exercise had any effect on the volume of the hippocampus, a key brain structure related to memory. To assess this, they had older adults
A) play basketball.
B) take yoga classes.
C) swim laps each day.
D) exercise on a motorized treadmill.

Accepted Answer

The research by Erikson and colleagues (2009) focused on the effect of aerobic exercise on the volume of the hippocampus, suggesting that a motorized treadmill would have been the best option for this type of exercise as it is commonly used for aerobic exercise and can be adjusted to ensure a consistent level of intensity. Playing basketball or swimming laps may provide aerobic exercise, but they may not be consistent or controlled enough for this study's purposes. Taking yoga classes, while beneficial for flexibility and relaxation, may not provide enough aerobic exercise to have an impact on the volume of the hippocampus.

Question 9

STAC-r stands for
A) Social Tact and Cognition-revised.
B) Specialized Telemeres and Cognitive Functioning-revised.
C) Scaffolding Theory of Cognitive Aging-revised.
D) Social-Congitive Theory of Adult Competence-revised.

Accepted Answer

STAC-r stands for Scaffolding Theory of Cognitive Aging-revised, which is a framework for understanding how cognitive processes change with age.

Question 10

Given what you have learned about the relationship between nutrition and cognitive functioning over time, what is one piece of advice you could give others?
A) The research on the relationship between nutrition and cognitive functioning is unclear.
B) Maintaining good levels of certain nutrients in blood plasma can reduce structural changes in the brain and cognitive declines.
C) The nutrients important for women's cognitive functioning are different from those required by men.
D) After age 75, nutrition is not an important factor in cognitive functioning.

Accepted Answer

Maintaining good levels of certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron in blood plasma can reduce structural changes in the brain and cognitive declines. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to support cognitive functioning over time.

Question 11

The space between neurons is called the
A) gaptic region.
B) corpus callosum.
C) synapse.
D) terminal branches.

Accepted Answer

The space between neurons is called the synapse. The synaptic gap separates the terminal branches of one neuron from the dendrites of the next neuron. Neurotransmitters are released into this gap to allow for communication between neurons.

Question 12

Contrary to a previously held popular belief, persist in the adult brain and can regenerate throughout the life span.
A) synapses
B) neurons
C) white matter
D) neural stem cells

Accepted Answer

Neural stem cells are the only cells in the adult brain that can regenerate throughout the life span.

Question 13

The CRUNCH model suggests that there are two main mechanisms the older brain uses to perform tasks:
A) increased synapses and neurotransmitters.
B) memory aids such as mnemonic devices and brain training exercises.
C) brain training and recruiting friends to help with cognitive tasks.
D) more of the same and supplementary processes.

Accepted Answer

The CRUNCH model suggests that the older brain uses more of the same processes it used in the past, as well as supplementary processes, to compensate for any decline in function. This means that the brain may rely on additional neural networks or alternative strategies to perform tasks, rather than simply increasing synapses or using memory aids. Brain training exercises and recruiting friends can also be helpful, but they are not the two main mechanisms suggested by the CRUNCH model.

Question 14

Park and Reuter-Lorenz argue that the integrative approach provided by the STAC-r model embraces a "lifelong potential for plasticity and the ability to ______ age-related changes."
A) resist
B) adapt to
C) ignore
D) modify

Accepted Answer

The STAC-r model emphasizes the lifelong potential for plasticity, which means the brain's ability to adapt to changes. Therefore, the best answer is B, which is to adapt to age-related changes.

Question 15

The National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource supplies researchers with neural stem cells that are obtained from
A) umbilical cords.
B) postnatal, postmortem human brains.
C) mice.
D) living humans.

Accepted Answer

The National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource supplies researchers with neural stem cells obtained from postnatal, postmortem human brains.

Question 16

The posterior-anterior shift in aging (PASA) is thought to reflect age-related
A) increases in inhibition.
B) hemispheric asymmetry.
C) compensation.
D) increases in intelligence.

Accepted Answer

The posterior-anterior shift in aging (PASA) is a neurobiological phenomenon that reflects compensation in the aging brain, such as increased activation in frontal regions to overcome declining activation in posterior regions. Therefore, the best choice is C, "compensation."

Question 17

Overall, there is considerable shrinkage that occurs in the aging brain. However, the shrinkage is selective. The prefrontal cortex, the , and the all show profound shrinkage.
A) frontal lobe; left cortex
B) parietal; occipital
C) cerebellum; amygdale
D) hippocampus; cerebellum

Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum are known to show significant shrinkage with aging.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the models discussed in your textbook that seeks to explain how the brain reorganizes and compensates for age-related changes?
A) P-FIT
B) HAROLD
C) CRUNCH
D) STAC-r

Accepted Answer

P-FIT (Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory) is not specifically a model that explains how the brain reorganizes and compensates for age-related changes. It focuses more on understanding the neurobiological basis of intelligence. HAROLD, CRUNCH, and STAC-r are models that address brain compensation and reorganization with aging.

Question 19

Atrophy of the temporal lobe has been connected to
A) decline in planning and executing plans.
B) Alzheimer's disease.
C) accelerated growth of stem cells.
D) cardiovascular disease.

Accepted Answer

Atrophy of the temporal lobe has been strongly linked to developing Alzheimer's disease. Although decline in planning and executing plans can be a symptom of Alzheimer's, it is not directly connected to atrophy of the temporal lobe. Accelerated growth of stem cells and cardiovascular disease are not related to atrophy of the temporal lobe.

Question 20

The effective functioning of the dopaminergic system in normal aging.
A) increases
B) declines
C) stays the same
D) misfires

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that the dopaminergic system declines with age, leading to decreased dopamine neurotransmission and potentially contributing to age-related cognitive and motor impairments.

Quiz 2: Neuroscience As a Basis for Adult Development

The areas of the brain related to sensory functions, such as the visual cortex, show relatively little

Abnormal processing of which neurotransmitter has been implicated in cognitive decline in normal aging, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia?

Neuroimaging has allowed us to

Research clearly shows that brain plasticity is enhanced as a result of

When examining bilateral prefrontal engagement of older adults, which of the following is true?

The emotional processing areas of the brain are more _ over time, whereas higher-order executive cognitive processes seem to __.

Research by Winecoff and colleagues (2011) indicates that as cognitive abilities decline, people may be less able to , a pattern typical in diseases such as dementia.

Erikson and colleagues (2009) were interested in whether aerobic exercise had any effect on the volume of the hippocampus, a key brain structure related to memory. To assess this, they had older adults

STAC-r stands for

Given what you have learned about the relationship between nutrition and cognitive functioning over time, what is one piece of advice you could give others?

The space between neurons is called the

Contrary to a previously held popular belief, persist in the adult brain and can regenerate throughout the life span.

The CRUNCH model suggests that there are two main mechanisms the older brain uses to perform tasks:

Park and Reuter-Lorenz argue that the integrative approach provided by the STAC-r model embraces a "lifelong potential for plasticity and the ability to ______ age-related changes."

The National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource supplies researchers with neural stem cells that are obtained from

The posterior-anterior shift in aging (PASA) is thought to reflect age-related

Overall, there is considerable shrinkage that occurs in the aging brain. However, the shrinkage is selective. The prefrontal cortex, the , and the all show profound shrinkage.

Which of the following is NOT one of the models discussed in your textbook that seeks to explain how the brain reorganizes and compensates for age-related changes?

Atrophy of the temporal lobe has been connected to

The effective functioning of the dopaminergic system in normal aging.