Question 1

Research showing and making important links between the processing of sensory input, brain functioning, and behavior have been useful for ______________.

Accepted Answer

Research linking sensory input processing, brain functioning, and behavior supports the concept of sensorimotor-based neuroplasticity, which is a fundamental aspect of basic science research.

Question 2

Which signs of neuroplasticity and positive changes in brain function and structures have been shown in response to applications of sensory input?

Accepted Answer

Increased dendritic branching of neurons, particularly in the occipital cortex, is a sign of neuroplasticity and positive changes in brain function and structures in response to sensory input. This indicates enhanced connectivity and potential for improved processing capabilities.

Question 3

Measures of the parasympathetic nervous system can be used to determine how well a person can self-regulate and calm after an exciting or stressful event and have been used in studying capacities related to sensory modulation. Examples of such measures include ____________.

Accepted Answer

Heart rate variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal tone are direct measures of parasympathetic nervous system activity, reflecting how well a person can regulate their physiological state in response to stress or excitement.

Question 4

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory over-responsivity have been shown to ___________________________.

Accepted Answer

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory over-responsivity often exhibit sympathetic nervous system over-activity, which is part of the body's "fight or flight" response. This can manifest as heightened responses to sensory inputs.

Question 5

Davies and colleagues (2009, 2011) were able to discriminate children with sensory modulation disorder (SMD) from typical children by examining responses to different intensities of auditory input using ___________________.

Accepted Answer

Davies and colleagues used evoked response potentials (ERPs) to examine how children with sensory modulation disorder (SMD) responded to different intensities of auditory input, allowing them to discriminate these children from typical children.

Question 6

Which of the following kinds of technology is particularly useful for determining which brain regions might be working together in response to sensory events and how they are functionally connected?

Accepted Answer

MEG imaging is particularly useful for determining functional connectivity between brain regions in response to sensory events, as it provides high temporal and spatial resolution of brain activity.

Question 7

Which of the following is a structured, controlled research paradigm used to measure physiological responses to sensory stimuli from various sensory systems over multiple trials?

Accepted Answer

The Sensory Challenge Protocol (SCP) is designed as a structured, controlled research paradigm specifically for measuring physiological responses to sensory stimuli across different sensory systems over multiple trials. This approach allows for the systematic study of sensory processing by presenting controlled stimuli and measuring the body's responses, making it distinct from the other options listed, which do not have the same focus on controlled, structured sensory research.

Question 8

Advances in basic research studying the brain mechanisms involved in sensory processing disorders (SPD) suggest which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Advances in basic research into the brain mechanisms involved in sensory processing disorders have shown that the brains of children with SPD are wired differently, indicating variations in how their brains respond to stimuli or communicate internally.

Question 9

Animal research with Rhesus monkeys demonstrates all of the following EXCEPT ____________________________________.

Accepted Answer

Research with Rhesus monkeys has shown that prenatal and early postnatal environmental factors, as well as prenatal exposures like alcohol and stress, can impact sensory modulation and that these influences may interact with genetics. However, alterations in serotonin and dopamine systems are actually considered potential factors in the processing of sensory input, not something to be ruled out.

Quiz 16: Advances in Sensory Integration Research: Basic Science Research