Which brain regions have been associated with (1) greater risk for PTSD in war and (2) physical pain and the social pain of exclusion?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) (1) hippocampus and amygdala; (2) cingulate cortex. 1) Greater risk for PTSD in war: - The hippocampus is involved in memory processing and emotional regulation. In PTSD, there is often a decrease in hippocampal volume, leading to memory disturbances and heightened emotional responses. - The amygdala plays a key role in emotional processing and fear responses. In individuals with PTSD, the amygdala can become hyperactive, contributing to heightened fear and anxiety responses. 2) Physical pain and the social pain of exclusion: - The cingulate cortex is involved in processing physical pain and plays a role in social pain as well. Studies have shown activation in the cingulate cortex in response to both physical pain and social exclusion. Educational context: Understanding the neurobiological basis of psychobiological disorders like PTSD is crucial for effective assessment and interventions. Knowing the specific brain regions involved in these disorders helps clinicians target treatments more effectively. Educating students on these associations can enhance their understanding of the complex interplay between brain regions and psychological disorders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In Festinger's cognitive dissonance experiment, the correct answer is D) the people who lied and were paid $1. This is because receiving only $1 to lie created a higher level of cognitive dissonance as the external justification for lying was insufficient. To reduce this dissonance, participants convinced themselves that the task must have been more enjoyable to justify their dishonesty. Option A is incorrect because those who were paid $20 had sufficient external justification for lying, reducing the need to internally justify their actions by rating the task as enjoyable. Option B is incorrect as it does not consider the impact of lying on perceived enjoyment. Option C is incorrect as the amount of payment influenced the level of dissonance experienced. In an educational context, this question highlights the concept of cognitive dissonance and how individuals may adjust their beliefs or attitudes to align with their actions. It also emphasizes the role of external justifications in shaping our internal beliefs and perceptions. Understanding these psychological phenomena can help students grasp the complexities of human behavior and decision-making processes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is option A: there was an immediate positive influence on his daily life. This is the correct answer because, in Oliver Sacks' chapter, the patient with Tourette's syndrome did not experience an instant improvement in his condition upon taking Haldol. It took time for the medication to have a positive impact on his symptoms. Option B is incorrect because the patient did not choose to take the medication only during the week and not on weekends. Option C is incorrect because his job situation and home life did not necessarily improve immediately after starting the medication. Option D is incorrect because the patient did not become worse at ping-pong; in fact, his ping-pong skills improved after starting the medication. From an educational perspective, understanding the nuances of medication effects and treatment outcomes in psychobiological disorders like Tourette's syndrome is crucial. This question highlights the importance of patience and realistic expectations when it comes to the impact of medications on individuals with such conditions. It also emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and individualized treatment plans for each patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) 35-60%. The estimated heritability of commonly used personality measures, such as the 'Big Five' traits or Eysenck's personality dimensions, falls within the range of 35-60%. This means that a significant portion of individual differences in these personality traits can be attributed to genetic factors. Option A) 0-20% is incorrect because it underestimates the impact of genetics on personality traits. Research has shown that genetic factors play a substantial role in shaping personality. Option B) 20-35% is also incorrect as it falls on the lower end of the estimated heritability range for personality measures. While environmental factors certainly influence personality development, genetics have been found to have a stronger influence. Option D) Heritability cannot be estimated by psychologists is incorrect because psychologists do have methods and tools to estimate heritability, such as twin studies and family studies, which have been used to investigate the genetic contributions to personality traits. In an educational context, understanding the heritability of personality traits is essential for grasping the complex interplay between genetics and environment in shaping human behavior. This knowledge can help individuals appreciate the diversity of personalities and debunk common misconceptions about the determinants of personality. It also underscores the importance of considering both nature and nurture in psychological research and practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Babinski reflex. The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex seen in infants where stroking the sole of the foot causes the big toe to extend upward while the other toes fan out. This response is indicative of the immaturity of the central nervous system in infants. A) Plantar reflex is the opposite of the Babinski reflex, where the toes curl inward when the sole of the foot is stimulated. This reflex is commonly seen in adults and is considered a normal response. C) Startle reflex is a response to a sudden, loud noise or sudden movement, causing the infant to startle and potentially throw their arms out. This reflex is not elicited by stroking the foot. D) Rooting reflex is a reflex seen in infants where they turn their head and open their mouth in the direction of a touch on their cheek or mouth. This reflex is related to feeding behavior and is not associated with foot stimulation. Understanding these reflexes is crucial for healthcare professionals working with infants as they can provide insights into the development and functioning of the nervous system. Recognizing abnormal reflex patterns can also help in identifying potential neurological issues early on.