Age influences specific brain functions related to emotion and reward. Which of these is NOT true according to research studies?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In understanding the influence of age on specific brain functions related to emotion and reward, it is crucial to interpret research findings accurately. Option A states that nucleus accumbens activation in anticipation of reward is greater in adolescence than in childhood or adulthood. This is supported by research indicating heightened reward sensitivity during adolescence due to ongoing brain development. Option B suggests that older individuals exhibit similar activation to younger individuals in anticipating potential gain but reduced activation in anticipating potential loss. This reflects the findings of studies showing age-related changes in reward processing, where older adults tend to show reduced sensitivity to potential losses. Option C posits that amygdala activation in older adults is reduced for negative scenes but not for positive scenes. This aligns with research indicating a selective decline in amygdala response to negative stimuli with age, while responsiveness to positive stimuli remains relatively intact. The correct answer, Option D, highlights that frontal-lobe activation in older adults with successful cognitive aging is more asymmetric than in younger adults. This reflects the concept of hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults (HAROLD model), where increased recruitment of brain regions compensates for age-related decline in neural efficiency. Educationally, understanding how age influences brain functions related to emotion and reward is essential for comprehending developmental psychology and neurobiology. It provides insights into cognitive changes across the lifespan and informs interventions targeting emotional regulation and reward processing in different age groups.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders, understanding social influence and conformity is crucial. The correct answer, option C, "coming from an interdependent culture," increases conformity in experimental studies due to cultural norms emphasizing group harmony and cohesion over individual expression. In such cultures, individuals are more likely to conform to group opinions to maintain social relationships and avoid conflict. Option A, "the presence of an ally," can reduce conformity as having support from someone who shares a different opinion can empower individuals to dissent. Option B, "the opportunity to avoid embarrassment by giving private responses," reduces conformity by allowing individuals to express their true opinions without fear of judgment. Option D, "a smaller group," does not necessarily increase conformity on its own. Conformity is often higher in larger groups due to the pressure to align with the majority opinion. Educationally, understanding factors that influence conformity is essential for comprehending how social dynamics impact behavior in psychobiologic disorders. By recognizing the role of culture, social support, group size, and individual autonomy, students can develop a nuanced understanding of how these factors interact to shape behavior in experimental studies and real-world settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders and specifically autism, it is important to understand the neural and behavioral characteristics associated with the condition. The correct answer, option C, states that individuals with autism do not exhibit different responses in brain area MT to moving objects. This is because research has shown that individuals with autism actually demonstrate similar responses in brain area MT to moving objects compared to neurotypical individuals. Looking at the incorrect options: A) Different visual scanpaths when looking at faces freely and B) different visual scanpaths when looking at faces to identify emotions are both characteristics commonly observed in individuals with autism. They often exhibit atypical patterns of visual attention and processing when engaging with social stimuli like faces. D) Different responses in the superior temporal sulcus to biological motion is also a common characteristic seen in individuals with autism. This brain region is involved in processing social information, and individuals with autism often show altered responses in this area when perceiving biological motion. Educationally, understanding the specific atypicalities associated with autism is crucial for healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers working with individuals on the autism spectrum. By recognizing these differences, appropriate interventions and support strategies can be implemented to better meet the unique needs of individuals with autism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Neuroticism. In the 'Big Five' personality model, neuroticism is one of the major factors that define an individual's personality. Neuroticism refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, and sadness. Individuals high in neuroticism may be more prone to stress and emotional instability. Option A) Sensation-seeking is not a superfactor in the 'Big Five' model. Sensation-seeking is linked to seeking new and varied experiences, taking risks, and being adventurous. Option B) Attentiveness, also known as conscientiousness, is another superfactor in the 'Big Five' model. It refers to traits like being organized, responsible, dependable, and goal-oriented. Option D) Security is not a named superfactor in the 'Big Five' model. Security may relate more to stability and feeling safe rather than being a core personality trait in this model. Understanding the 'Big Five' personality model is essential in psychology as it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and analyzing personality traits. Knowing these factors can help individuals gain insight into their own personalities, improve self-awareness, and enhance interpersonal relationships by understanding others' personalities better.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) "There was an epic game of beer pong and I drank so much that I forgot to set my alarm!" This excuse reflects an internal locus of control, where the student attributes the situation to their own actions or behaviors rather than external factors. Option A suggests an external factor (power outage) affecting the alarm, which is not related to the student's actions. Option B blames the roommate for keeping the student up late, again shifting responsibility externally. Option D blames the fraternity brothers for the mix-up with medications, another external attribution. Educationally, understanding locus of control is crucial in psychology and can influence how individuals perceive and respond to events in their lives. By recognizing the impact of internal versus external attributions, students can develop a greater sense of accountability and self-awareness in managing their behaviors and outcomes. This question also highlights the concept of personal responsibility and the importance of owning up to one's actions.