Question 1

Which of the following statements about the relationship between neurobiological mechanisms and child behavior is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Neurological mechanisms not only influence children's behavior; the child's behavior in turn influences how neurological mechanisms affect future behavior. Since the latter part of the 20th century, tremendous strides have been made in understanding the important role that neurobiology plays in childhood development.

Question 2

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the contribution of neurobiological research to psychology?

Accepted Answer

Research into the neurobiological factors affecting children's behavior is international in scope. The findings have been published not only in American journals, but also worldwide. Just as there are children all over the world who exhibit different maladaptive patterns of behavior, there is international interest in better understanding how to diagnose and treat those behaviors.

Question 3

At what point in a person's life is the number of synaptic connections in the brain greatest?

Accepted Answer

The point in a person's life when the number of synaptic connections in the brain is greatest is in infancy. That is the time when the development of synapses takes place at an incredible rate. But, since many of these extra synapses are neither used nor needed, they are later eliminated or, to use the neurobiological term, "pruned."

Question 4

Disturbances in the synaptic pruning process have been linked to the development of what behavior disorder in adolescence?

Accepted Answer

Disturbances in the synaptic pruning process have been linked to the development of schizophrenia in adolescence. These findings are consistent with the notion that the etiology of schizophrenia is, at least in part, neurobiological.

Question 5

Genetics appears to be a particular significant factor in explaining variations in which of the following components of brain structure?

Accepted Answer

Genetics appears to be a particularly significant factor in explaining variations in quality of frontal gray matter. Since the frontal gray matter is the part of the brain most closely associated with cognitive functioning, the genetic link is consistent with the already known fact that intelligence is to a large extent hereditary.

Question 6

The surplus synapses in the brain of a very young child make that child's brain especially susceptible to what kinds of influences?

Accepted Answer

The surplus synapses in a young child's brain make that brain especially susceptible to external stimuli. Very young children are like sponges; they have an amazing capacity to absorb simultaneous input from in an infinite array of environmental stimuli. The unique combination of how the child is genetically predisposed to develop and what the child takes in from the environment is what molds the child's personality and major patterns of behavior.

Question 7

People in and out of the psychology profession have been engaging in the nature vs. nurture debate pertaining to child development for ages. What answers, if any, can the recent research by neuroscientists offer on this topic?

Accepted Answer

Current research by neuroscientists suggests that continuing to debate the nature vs. nurture question is a waste of time. No case can be made for saying either factor is more important than the other. So, the focus of the research should be on more pressing issues.

Question 8

Only one of the following statements about babies and young children's brains is accurate. Which is the one correct statement of the four?

Accepted Answer

The best way to facilitate appropriate learning and healthy development in children is not with excessive stimulation, but by giving them the opportunity to interact naturally with their environment. Children start learning even in the womb, with synapses being formed about two months before birth. Then, over the first few years of life, their rapidly growing brains develop trillions of synapses. But in the normally developing child, the brain prunes away the inappropriate and unneeded synapses so that learning can become more efficient.

Question 9

What is the last section of the brain to mature?

Accepted Answer

The last section of the brain to mature is the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain continues to develop and mature well into adolescence. The prefrontal cortex controls most advanced human functions, including attention, emotion, and goal-oriented behavior.

Question 10

Low levels of what important neurotransmitter plays a key role in the development of both aggressive behavior and depression in children?

Accepted Answer

The neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the development of aggressive behavior and depression in children is serotonin. Low levels of serotonin affect a child's mood and the ability to control emotions.

Question 11

What have recent research studies been able to tell us about the neurobiological link to childhood autism?

Accepted Answer

Early research on the subject showed substantial correlations between low birth rate and the likelihood of developing autism. However, more recent research shows that babies who are extremely large when they are born are also at high risk for becoming autistic.

Question 12

What do structural image studies show about the brains of children with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Structural image studies show that the brains of children with ADHD are significantly smaller than the size of other children's brains. Unsurprisingly, the brains of children with ADHD and autism are more similar than dissimilar, since some children have both disorders.

Question 13

Over-activity in what part of the brain has been linked to children's anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Over-activity of the part of the brain known as the amygdala has been linked to children's anxiety disorders. The amygdala, located deep inside the brain's temporal lobe, plays a key role in controlling a child's response to fear.

Question 14

Recently conducted neurological studies have indicated that early childhood abuse and neglect can adversely affect the brain's structure, chemistry, and functioning in what way?

Accepted Answer

Recent studies have shown that early childhood abuse and neglect can adversely affect the brain in a multitude of ways. Brain wave abnormalities, lower serotonin levels, and exaggerated perception of danger are just a few of the pervasive effects that early neglect or abuse can have on a young child.

Quiz 3: Development Neuro