Question 1

An operational definition of anxiety that has been helpful in measuring differences among people and changes as a result of situations is

Accepted Answer

The operational definition of anxiety that has been helpful in measuring differences among people and changes as a result of situations is facilitation (increase) of the startle reflex. This means that individuals who experience anxiety are likely to have a more pronounced startle response to sudden noises or other unexpected stimuli. This measure has been found to be a reliable and valid way to assess individual differences in anxiety levels, as well as changes in anxiety over time.

Question 2

Psychologists have tried to measure a concept called "emotional intelligence," using a test similar to that of other kinds of intelligence tests. One major problem with this effort is that

Accepted Answer

The concept of emotional intelligence is still debated and there is no clear consensus on what constitutes right or wrong answers on a test of this trait. This makes it difficult to accurately measure emotional intelligence through a standardized test.

Question 3

Phineas Gage was involved in a freak accident in which his prefrontal cortex was damaged by an iron rod. Following the accident, Gage showed a loss in each of the following except?

Accepted Answer

According to research on Phineas Gage, he did not experience any loss in language following the accident. However, he did experience changes in his ability to follow long-term plans, display emotion, and uphold his former values.

Question 4

Joan, who suffers from an anxiety disorder, is having a conversation with June, who does not suffer from an anxiety disorder. Suddenly there is a loud, unexpected noise. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with anxiety disorders often exhibit a heightened startle response to unexpected loud noises or events, compared to those without anxiety disorders. Therefore, Joan is more likely to show a greater startle response to the noise than June.

Question 5

In addition to self-report measures, researchers operationally define anxiety as

Accepted Answer

An increase in the startle reflex is an operational definition researchers can use to objectively measure anxiety, as it provides a quantifiable physiological response that can be observed and measured, unlike subjective self-report measures.

Question 6

Psychologists have devised several tests of "emotional intelligence," asking, for example, what to do in a particular situation. One major problem with these tests, so far, is that

Accepted Answer

The major problem with tests of emotional intelligence is that it's unclear which are the correct answers. This suggests that the tests are not well-validated, as there is no agreed-upon framework for measuring emotional intelligence.

Question 7

One of the main difficulties with current tests of "emotional intelligence" is that

Accepted Answer

The main challenge with tests of emotional intelligence is that the correct answers can be subjective, making it hard to determine the universally "right" answers. This is because emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing emotions, which can vary greatly between individuals and situations.

Question 8

Javert shows extremely limited emotions following an accident that damaged his brain. He shows no impatience, no frustration, rarely expresses anger, and seems undisturbed by the loss he has suffered. In addition to his loss of emotions, he has great trouble making or following any reasonable plans. It is most likely that Javert suffered damage to his

Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, planning, and expressing emotions. Damage to this area can result in a loss of emotional expression and difficulty with making or following plans, which fits with Javert's symptoms. The other brain areas listed are not as closely linked to these specific functions.

Question 9

A controversial issue among emotion researchers is whether people have a small number of "basic" emotions. One result cited as support for the idea of basic emotions is that

Accepted Answer

One of the most convincing pieces of evidence for the existence of basic emotions is that people from different cultures and languages can recognize and label the same facial expressions of emotion. This suggests that there is something universal about how emotions are expressed and perceived, which is consistent with the idea that there are a small number of discrete basic emotions.

Question 10

Both Phineas Gage, an accident victim in 1848, and "Elliot," a recent brain-surgery patient, showed only limited emotions following damage to the

Accepted Answer

Phineas Gage suffered damage to his prefrontal cortex, which resulted in changes to his personality and emotional regulation. "Elliot," who underwent prefrontal cortex surgery to treat seizures, also exhibited a lack of emotional response and impaired decision-making abilities.

Question 11

Brain-damaged people who show only weak emotions tend to make what kind of decisions?

Accepted Answer

Brain-damaged people who show only weak emotions tend to make impulsive and often self-harmful decisions.

Question 12

Brain-damaged patients who show a significant loss of emotional intelligence also show

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that damage to parts of the brain responsible for emotional processing can result in a significant loss of emotional intelligence or the ability to understand and regulate emotions in oneself and others. This can lead to poor judgment and decision-making abilities. There is no evidence to suggest improvement in analytical reasoning or sleep-waking cycles, and loss of interest in food is not necessarily associated with emotional intelligence.

Question 13

A common way of measuring someone's level of fear or anxiety is by measuring

Accepted Answer

Changes in the startle reflex to a sudden sound are a reliable and objective measure of fear or anxiety because the autonomic nervous system responds quickly to perceived threats, leading to changes in muscle tension and heart rate that result in a heightened startle response. This response has been shown to be greater in people with anxiety disorders compared to those without. The other options listed are not as reliable or specific in measuring fear or anxiety.

Question 14

People who show a severe loss of emotional expression after brain damage tend to

Accepted Answer

People with severe loss of emotional expression, often due to damage in areas of the brain like the frontal lobes, can struggle with decision-making and exhibit self-defeating behaviors. This is because emotions play a crucial role in decision-making processes, helping to guide judgments and actions based on personal values and social norms.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the role of emotions in moral decisions?

Accepted Answer

While emotions can sometimes cloud our judgment, they can also provide valuable insight into what is morally right or wrong. Research has shown that emotions can help us perceive and respond to moral dilemmas more quickly and accurately, and can also motivate us to take action to promote justice and alleviate suffering. Therefore, emotional reactions should not be dismissed as irrelevant or irrational when making moral decisions.

Question 16

After certain kinds of damage in the prefrontal cortex, people become unemotional. What happens to their reasoning ability?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the prefrontal cortex can lead to difficulty in decision-making and poor judgement, as this area is responsible for regulating emotions and impulsivity, which are important factors in making sound decisions. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 17

Phineas Gage, an accident victim in 1848, showed little emotion after an iron bar damaged his:

Accepted Answer

Phineas Gage's personality and emotional regulation were greatly affected after an iron bar went through his prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in decision-making, personality, and emotions.

Question 18

Following damage to the prefrontal cortex, patients such as "Elliot" have experienced a severe decrease in emotional feeling and expression. The effect on their thinking and reasoning is

Accepted Answer

Damage to the prefrontal cortex can result in difficulty with making decisions, as this area of the brain plays a role in executive function and decision-making processes. Improvements in short-term memory and logical reasoning are not typically associated with damage to this area of the brain, and there is no evidence to suggest that individuals with prefrontal cortex damage exhibit increased compassion.

Question 19

Researchers presented participants with two versions of a moral dilemma. In the trolley dilemma, you can save the life of five people but take the life of one person by flipping a switch. In the footbridge dilemma, you can save the life of five people but take the life of one person by pushing a fat man off a bridge. According to the research, what do most people decide?

Accepted Answer

Most people tend to choose to flip the switch in the trolley dilemma because it feels like they are minimizing harm without actively causing harm. However, in the footbridge dilemma, people have a harder time deciding to actively push someone to their death, even if it would save five other lives. This is because actively causing harm feels more morally wrong than simply allowing harm to happen.

Question 20

The ability to perceive, imagine, and understand emotions and use that information in decision making

Accepted Answer

The ability described in the question is commonly referred to as emotional intelligence. It involves recognizing and managing one's own emotions as well as understanding and responding to the emotions of others. It is a skill that can be developed and has been linked to success in both personal and professional settings.

Quiz 12: Emotional Behaviors, Stress, and Health