Writers Den

Question 1

1. Which statement about the reinforcement system is true?
   

   Punishment occurs when neural circuits fail to detect a reinforcing stimulus.

   Through instrumental conditioning, a stimulus which has served as a reinforcer in the past will always serve as a reinforcer.

   The three inputs to the ventral tegmental area that probably play the most important role in reinforcement are the amygdala, the lateral hypothalamus, and the prefrontal cortex.

   The reinforcement system is automatically activated when particular stimuli are present.

5 points

Question 2

1. Perceptual learning functions to ____________________.
   

   Modify behavior according to its consequences.

   Form an association between two different stimuli.

   Elicit a specific reflexive behavior in the presence of a specific stimulus.

   Identify and categorize objects.

5 points

Question 3

1. Classical conditioning is considered to be an instance of ____________________.
   

   Motor learning.

   Relational learning.

   Perceptual learning.

   Stimulus-response learning.

5 points

Question 4

1. Which of the following is NOT an example of relational learning?
   

   Episodic learning.

   Spatial learning.

   Observational learning.

   Motor learning.

5 points

Question 5

1. Instrumental conditioning is considered to be the most flexible form of learning because ____________________.
   

   The organism can learn reflexive responses to new stimuli.

   It permits an organism to adjust its behavior according to the consequences of that behavior.

   It allows the organism to make connections between stimuli.

   It allows an organism to navigate around its environment.

5 points

Question 6

1. The _______ provides the primary input to the hippocampal formation.
   

   Reticular formation

   Entorhinal cortex

   Cerebellum

   Caudate nucleus

5 points

Question 7

1. The NMDA receptor channel is unique in that this channel requires ____________________.
   

   The presence of MG+ ions inside the membrane.

   Depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and activation of the NMDA receptor.

   The joint action of glutamate and chloride at the receptor.

   That the postsynaptic membrane be hyperpolarized when glutamate binds to the NMDA receptor.

5 points

Question 8

1. Which of the following is thought to increase synaptic strength evident in long-term potentiation?
   

   Stimulation of the hippocampus decreases the number of postsynaptic AMPA receptors.

   Antagonism of synthesis of nitric oxide promotes LTP.

   Stimulation of the hippocampus promotes the development of perforated synapses within the hippocampus.

   All of the above are thought to play a role.

5 points

Question 9

1. Which of the following functions is related to activation of circuits within the inferior temporal cortex?
   

   Recognition of object color and texture.

   Planning for how to grasp an object.

   Recognition of the faces of specific persons.

   Identification of the location of an object.

5 points

Question 10

1. Which brain structure(s) below is(are) correctly matched with the appropriate form of learning ?
   

   Striatum and amygdala; matched delay learning

   Hippocampus; short-term memory recall

   Basolateral amygdala and MGm; conditioned emotional response to a shock-tone pairing

   Frontal cortex; conditioned emotional response to a shock-tone pairing

5 points

Question 11

1. The basal ganglia in humans may play a role in ____________________.
   

   Automatic non-deliberative learning.

   Coordinating short and long-term memory transfer.

   The memory failure evident in Alzheimer’s disease.

   Classical conditioning of emotional responses.

5 points

Question 12

1. Infusion of a dopamine receptor antagonist drug into rat nucleus accumbens ____________________.
   

   All of the other alternatives are correct

   Makes it easier for the rat to perform motor behaviors.

   Reduces the reinforcing value of electrical brain stimulation.

   Is directly reinforcing.

5 points

Question 13

1. Anterograde amnesia refers to an inability to ____________________.
   

   Learn new information.

   Recall details of childhood before the age of three.

   Recall recent events.

   Access motor programs that guide everyday behaviors such as walking or riding a bicycle.

5 points

Question 14

1. Patient H.M. is ____________________.
   

   unable to learn any new information.

   bored by repetitive tasks.

   aware of his disorder.

   frustrated by his difficulty in following a conversation.

5 points

Question 15

1. Nondeclarative memories ____________________.
   

   are a form of perceptual memory.

   fade more quickly than declarative memories.

   are usually expressed in writing.

   do not require verbal rehearsal to acquire.