Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The STAC model emphasizes the brain's ability to adapt to age-related changes, highlighting lifelong plasticity.

Question 2

Evidence has shown that the _________ in frontal activity in older adults may be a response to the _________ efficiency of neural processing related to the perceptual areas of the brain.

Accepted Answer

The sentence is stating that there is an increase in frontal activity in older adults, but this is actually a result of decreased efficiency of neural processing related to perceptual areas of the brain. Therefore, the best choice is D, which states an increase in frontal activity and a decrease in neural processing efficiency.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource obtains their neural stem cells from postnatal, postmortem human brains.

Question 4

STAC stands for

Accepted Answer

STAC stands for Scaffolding Theory of Cognitive Aging, which is a theory that explains how the brain adapts to age-related changes by using alternative neural circuits to maintain cognitive function.

Question 5

____________ is a multifaceted concept that involves the changes in structure and function of the brain over time as the result of the interaction of the brain with the environment.

Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change based on experiences and environmental factors. It involves changes in both the structure and function of the brain, allowing for learning, development, and recovery from injury or disease. Neurality, neuroscience, and neurofibrillation are not accurate descriptions of this concept.

Question 6

Why do we say neuroimaging must be used "carefully and ethically"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do we say neuroimaging must be...

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining good levels of certain nutrients in blood plasma can reduce structural changes in the brain and cognitive declines. Therefore, the one piece of advice one could give others is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients that promote cognitive functioning over time.

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

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to have the older adults exercise on a motorized treadmill, as this type of aerobic exercise has been specifically shown to increase the volume of the hippocampus in previous studies.

Question 9

The default network of the brain refers to the regions of the brain that are most _________ when an individual is at rest and not involved in a cognitive task.

Accepted Answer

The default network of the brain refers to the regions of the brain that are most active when an individual is at rest and not involved in a cognitive task. Therefore, the best choice is (C) active.

Question 10

Which of the following biomarker patterns was associated with less favorable cognitive functioning and less total cerebral brain volume?

Accepted Answer

High levels of trans fats have been associated with negative effects on cognitive functioning and brain health, including reduced brain volume.

Question 11

Bowman and colleagues (2012) identified three different ____________ associated with cognitive functioning and brain volume.

Accepted Answer

Bowman and colleagues identified three different biomarker patterns (inflammation, vascular, and Alzheimer's disease) that were associated with cognitive functioning and brain volume.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that aerobic exercise can enhance brain plasticity. While online "brain-training" exercises may improve specific skills, they have not been shown to have a general effect on brain plasticity. Having parents with high IQs may contribute to genetic factors that influence intelligence, but does not enhance brain plasticity. Lack of pollution in one's environment may contribute to overall health, but has not been specifically linked to enhanced brain plasticity.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Emotional processing areas of the brain tend to be preserved over time, while higher-order executive cognitive processes often decline with age.

Question 14

The scaffolding theory of cognitive aging (STAC) model suggests that the reason older adults continue to perform at ___________ levels despite neuronal deterioration is because of compensatory scaffolding.

Accepted Answer

The STAC model posits that older adults maintain high levels of cognitive performance through compensatory mechanisms that offset age-related neural decline.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Neural stem cells are capable of dividing and differentiating into various types of neurons and glial cells, allowing for continuous regeneration of the nervous system throughout life.

Question 16

Compensation is the brain's response to __________ .

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compensation is the brain's response to __________...

Question 17

Which part of the brain is preserved from aging?

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is relatively preserved from aging compared to other brain regions, maintaining its function and structure better over time.

Question 18

Behavioral perspective research has suggested that basic cognitive processes affected by aging can be improved through __________ and ___________ to multiple levels of functioning as long as the basic functions are shared across tasks.

Accepted Answer

Training and transfer are key concepts in improving cognitive processes affected by aging, as they involve practicing skills and applying them to different tasks, enhancing overall cognitive functioning.

Question 19

What are structural imaging techniques best at identifying?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are structural imaging techniques best at...

Question 20

Which of the following terms provides a way to understand compensatory changes in both observable behavior and in the less observed (or more difficult to observe) reorganization of neural circuitry?

Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience, which includes compensatory changes in behavior and neural circuitry reorganization.

Quiz 2: Neuroscience As a Basis for Adult Development