Question 1

You were reading a novel on a lazy Sunday afternoon when your six-year-old niece asked if you would help her sort through and find the right Lego pieces to make an airplane just like the one in the Lego design booklet. Reading the novel most likely involved your _____ hemisphere, while matching the Lego design most likely involved your _____ hemisphere.
A) right; left
B) left; right
C) right; right
D) left; left

Accepted Answer

Reading a novel primarily involves language processing and comprehension, which is primarily located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Matching and manipulating visual-spatial information involved in Lego building is primarily located in the right hemisphere of the brain. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Question 2

According to the Science Versus Pseudoscience box in Chapter 2, the statement that most people only use about 10% of their brain:
A) has been proven by modern brain research.
B) is true of people who have not finished high school, but does not apply to most college students.
C) has been disproved; the real figure is that most people only use about 25% of their brain.
D) is just a myth.

Accepted Answer

The statement that most people only use about 10% of their brain is just a myth and has been disproved by modern brain research. It is now known that people use a much larger percentage of their brain on a daily basis.

Question 3

The chapter Prologue describes a young university professor named Asha who suffered a stroke. Following her stroke, Asha's ability to speak was not impaired, but she was unable to read and often had difficulty understanding what was said to her. Asha showed many of the symptoms that characterize:
A) right-hemisphere damage.
B) Broca's aphasia.
C) Parkinson's disease.
D) Wernicke's aphasia.

Accepted Answer

The inability to understand spoken language is a symptom of Wernicke's aphasia, which is caused by damage to the temporal lobe in the left hemisphere. Since Asha was unable to understand what was said to her, but her ability to speak was not impaired, she likely suffered from Wernicke's aphasia.

Question 4

Psychologist Roger Sperry is best known for his:
A) discovery of neurogenesis in the brains of rats.
B) case studies of stroke patients with language difficulties.
C) studies of rats that were raised in "impoverished" versus "enriched" environments.
D) studies of split-brain patients.

Accepted Answer

Roger Sperry is primarily known for his groundbreaking research on split-brain patients. He conducted experiments that involved severing the connection between the two hemispheres of the brain and studying the resulting effects on perception, language, and other cognitive functions. This research had profound implications for our understanding of brain lateralization and how the different hemispheres of the brain process information.

Question 5

About 75 percent of left-handed people:
A) are left-hemisphere dominant for language.
B) are right-hemisphere dominant for language.
C) are bilateral, using both hemispheres for language functions.
D) are sometimes left-hemisphere dominant, sometimes right-hemisphere dominant, depending upon the nature of the speech or language task.

Accepted Answer

Most left-handed people, like right-handed individuals, are left-hemisphere dominant for language.

Question 6

Broca's area is located on the _____, whereas Wernicke's area is located on the _____.
A) right frontal lobe; left frontal lobe
B) left temporal lobe; right temporal lobe
C) left frontal lobe; left temporal lobe
D) right temporal lobe; right frontal lobe

Accepted Answer

Broca's area is located in the left frontal lobe, specifically in the posterior part of the frontal gyrus. Wernicke's area is located in the left temporal lobe, specifically in the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus.

Question 7

What was the logic behind the first experimental split-brain operations on humans?
A) Removing the precise brain location where epileptic seizures originated should stop the seizures.
B) Selectively removing portions of the left hemisphere should shift language functions to the right hemisphere.
C) Cutting the corpus callosum should contain seizure activity in just one hemisphere of the brain.
D) Cutting the corpus callosum would force the brain to use the left and right hemispheres for different functions.

Accepted Answer

The logic behind the first experimental split-brain operations on humans was to contain seizure activity in just one hemisphere of the brain by cutting the corpus callosum, which is a broad band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. By doing so, seizure activity is limited to just one hemisphere, which can reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. This technique has since been refined and is still used today as a treatment for severe cases of epilepsy. None of the other options accurately describe the rationale for the first split-brain operations.

Question 8

Following her stroke, Fernando's grandmother could understand what she read or what was being said to her. However, she had great difficulty speaking. Based on these observations, Fernando suspected that his grandmother's stroke had produced damage in:
A) Wernicke's area.
B) Broca's area.
C) the corpus callosum.
D) the hippocampus.

Accepted Answer

Broca's area, located in the left frontal lobe, is responsible for speech production. Damage to this area can result in difficulty speaking, while comprehension and understanding of language remain intact. Therefore, Fernando's observation suggests that his grandmother's stroke produced damage in Broca's area.

Question 9

Damage to Wernicke's area in the brain:
A) produces disruptions in the sense of balance as well as numbness in the arms and legs.
B) produces difficulty speaking but does not disrupt the ability to comprehend verbal or written words.
C) disrupts or destroys the ability to form new memories.
D) produces difficulty in comprehending written or spoken communication.

Accepted Answer

Damage to Wernicke's area in the brain disrupts or destroys the ability to comprehend written or spoken communication.

Question 10

In the college cafeteria, your friend Larry, who is an art major, loudly proclaims that because he is an artist he is right-brained and it's no wonder he's having trouble with his college algebra class. Because you have read this chapter, you are able to tell him that:
A) with special training, he should be able to better educate his left brain, so that he will at least pass algebra even if he'll never be very good at it.
B) he should drop algebra and take geometry, which takes a more right-brain approach to mathematics.
C) his problems with algebra cannot be blamed on either his right or left hemispheres; it is a myth that people are either "right-brained" or "left-brained."
D) given the right degree of environmental stimulation, he should be able to increase his left-hemisphere abilities, but doing so will undoubtedly lessen his artistic creativity.

Accepted Answer

The idea that people are either "right-brained" or "left-brained" is a myth. While certain functions may be more associated with one hemisphere of the brain, the brain is a highly interconnected organ where both hemispheres are constantly communicating and working in tandem. Larry's difficulty with algebra is not due to which hemisphere of his brain he is using more, but rather his lack of understanding or practice with mathematical concepts.

Question 11

Why was the split-brain operation first performed?
A) to study the specialized abilities of the left and right hemispheres
B) to help control recurring epileptic seizures
C) to identify the location of motor centers in the brain
D) to treat people suffering from severe forms of aphasia

Accepted Answer

The split-brain operation was first performed to help control recurring epileptic seizures. In this procedure, the corpus callosum, the band of fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, is cut in order to reduce the spread of seizure activity between the hemispheres.

Question 12

Recognizing a person but blocking on his or her name is a common experience. For most people, facial recognition is a _____ hemisphere task, while being able to name a person is a _____ hemisphere verbal memory task.
A) left; left
B) right; right
C) right; left
D) left; right

Accepted Answer

Facial recognition is primarily a right hemisphere task, while naming a person involves verbal memory and is primarily a left hemisphere task. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 13

Broca's aphasia is to _____ as Wernicke's aphasia is to _____.
A) receptive aphasia; expressive aphasia
B) left hemisphere; right hemisphere
C) expressive aphasia; receptive aphasia
D) right hemisphere; left hemisphere

Accepted Answer

Broca's aphasia is a type of expressive aphasia, meaning the individual has difficulty producing language. Wernicke's aphasia is a type of receptive aphasia, meaning the individual has difficulty understanding language. Choice C correctly pairs each type of aphasia with its corresponding language impairment.

Question 14

Tracy, a split-brain patient, is seated in front of a screen. As she focuses on the middle of the screen, the image of a fork is briefly flashed on the RIGHT side of the screen and directed to her left hemisphere. Tracy will:
A) be able to verbally name the object.
B) be able to use her left hand to reach under the screen and pick up the correct object.
C) verbally deny that any image appeared on the screen.
D) probably have an epileptic seizure.

Accepted Answer

As the image is directed to her left hemisphere, which is responsible for language processing, Tracy will be able to verbally name the object.

Question 15

You can thank your _____ for your ability to appreciate music.
A) hippocampus
B) right hemisphere
C) prefrontal association cortex
D) left hemisphere

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the right hemisphere of the brain is heavily involved in music perception and processing. Damage to this area can result in impairments in musical abilities such as recognizing melodies or rhythms. Therefore, the ability to appreciate music can be attributed to the functioning of the right hemisphere.

Question 16

Tammy, a split-brain patient, is seated in front of a screen. As she focuses on the middle of the screen, the image of a hammer is briefly flashed on the LEFT side of the screen and directed to her right hemisphere. Tracy will:
A) be able to verbally name the object.
B) be able to use her right hand to reach under the screen and pick up the correct object.
C) be able to use her left hand to reach under the screen and pick up the correct object.
D) say she saw a nail.

Accepted Answer

Since the image is processed by the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand, Tammy can use her left hand to pick up the hammer but cannot verbally name it due to the lack of communication between the hemispheres.

Question 17

Phrenology helped introduce the idea of brain _____, while split-brain research demonstrated the principle of brain _____.
A) localization; lateralization
B) lateralization; localization
C) specialization; plasticity
D) plasticity; specialization

Accepted Answer

Phrenology was based on the idea that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific mental abilities or traits, which is the concept of brain localization. Split-brain research, on the other hand, showed that the two hemispheres of the brain have specialized functions and are connected by the corpus callosum, which is the principle of brain lateralization.

Question 18

The chapter Prologue describes the story of a young university professor named Asha who suffered a stroke. Even though the stroke disrupted some of Asha's language abilities, she was still able to appreciate music because her _____ was not damaged.
A) corpus callosum
B) left hemisphere
C) right hemisphere
D) amygdala

Accepted Answer

The right hemisphere is responsible for processing music and other non-language related functions such as spatial reasoning and creative thinking. Since Asha was still able to appreciate music, her right hemisphere was likely undamaged by the stroke. The other options listed (corpus callosum, left hemisphere, amygdala) are not directly responsible for music processing.

Question 19

In reading these test questions, you are primarily using your _____ to understand what you are reading.
A) left hemisphere
B) right hemisphere
C) amygdala
D) medulla

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for language processing and comprehension, which is necessary for understanding written text such as test questions.

Question 20

Based on research with split-brain patients, we know that the _____ hemisphere is specialized for _____.
A) left; emotional and nonverbal aspects of communication
B) right; visual perception tasks
C) right; language abilities
D) left; artistic and musical appreciation

Accepted Answer

Research with split-brain patients has shown that the right hemisphere is specialized for visual perception tasks, while the left hemisphere is specialized for language abilities. The other options are incorrect, as the left hemisphere is responsible for language abilities and the emotional and nonverbal aspects of communication, while the right hemisphere is responsible for artistic and musical appreciation.

Quiz 2: Neuroscience and Behavior

According to the Science Versus Pseudoscience box in Chapter 2, the statement that most people only use about 10% of their brain:

The chapter Prologue describes a young university professor named Asha who suffered a stroke. Following her stroke, Asha's ability to speak was not impaired, but she was unable to read and often had difficulty understanding what was said to her. Asha showed many of the symptoms that characterize:

Psychologist Roger Sperry is best known for his:

About 75 percent of left-handed people:

Broca's area is located on the _, whereas Wernicke's area is located on the _.

What was the logic behind the first experimental split-brain operations on humans?

Following her stroke, Fernando's grandmother could understand what she read or what was being said to her. However, she had great difficulty speaking. Based on these observations, Fernando suspected that his grandmother's stroke had produced damage in:

Damage to Wernicke's area in the brain:

In the college cafeteria, your friend Larry, who is an art major, loudly proclaims that because he is an artist he is right-brained and it's no wonder he's having trouble with his college algebra class. Because you have read this chapter, you are able to tell him that:

Why was the split-brain operation first performed?

Recognizing a person but blocking on his or her name is a common experience. For most people, facial recognition is a _ hemisphere task, while being able to name a person is a _ hemisphere verbal memory task.

Broca's aphasia is to _ as Wernicke's aphasia is to _.

Tracy, a split-brain patient, is seated in front of a screen. As she focuses on the middle of the screen, the image of a fork is briefly flashed on the RIGHT side of the screen and directed to her left hemisphere. Tracy will:

You can thank your _____ for your ability to appreciate music.

Tammy, a split-brain patient, is seated in front of a screen. As she focuses on the middle of the screen, the image of a hammer is briefly flashed on the LEFT side of the screen and directed to her right hemisphere. Tracy will:

Phrenology helped introduce the idea of brain _, while split-brain research demonstrated the principle of brain _.

The chapter Prologue describes the story of a young university professor named Asha who suffered a stroke. Even though the stroke disrupted some of Asha's language abilities, she was still able to appreciate music because her _____ was not damaged.

In reading these test questions, you are primarily using your _____ to understand what you are reading.

Based on research with split-brain patients, we know that the _ hemisphere is specialized for _.