,PSYC 380 Quiz 3 | Physiological Psychology (2026)
Q&A | Liberty University
1. Which of the following best describes the James-Lange theory of emotion?
A) Emotional experience precedes physiological arousal.
B) Physiological arousal precedes emotional experience.
C) Emotional experience and physiological arousal occur simultaneously.
D) Emotional experience is independent of physiological arousal.
Correct Answer: Physiological arousal precedes emotional experience.
Rationale: The James-Lange theory posits that we experience physiological
changes first and then label those changes as an emotion. The Cannon-Bard theory
suggests simultaneous occurrence, and the Schachter-Singer theory emphasizes
cognitive labeling. The James-Lange theory is foundational to understanding
embodied emotion.
2. What is the primary function of the behavioral inhibition system (BIS)?
A) To regulate approach behaviors and positive emotions.
B) To inhibit behavior in response to signals of punishment.
C) To control voluntary muscle movements.
D) To regulate hunger and thirst.
Correct Answer: To inhibit behavior in response to signals of punishment.
,Rationale: The behavioral inhibition system is associated with increased
attention and arousal, decreased action, and fear or disgust in response to signals
of punishment or non-reward. The behavioral activation system regulates
approach behaviors. The BIS is critical for understanding anxiety and avoidance.
3. Which brain structure is most critical for the startle reflex?
A) Amygdala
B) Hippocampus
C) Cerebellum
D) Thalamus
Correct Answer: Amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala sends axons to the midbrain, which in turn sends
axons to the pons to control the startle reflex. The hippocampus is involved in
memory, the cerebellum in motor coordination, and the thalamus in sensory relay.
The amygdala's role in fear processing is well-established.
4. According to research, which neurotransmitter is most associated with violent
behavior when its turnover is low?
A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) Acetylcholine
D) Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: Serotonin
, Rationale: Low serotonin turnover is associated with an increased probability of
violent behavior in animal studies. Dopamine is linked to reward and motivation,
acetylcholine to arousal and attention, and norepinephrine to stress responses.
Serotonin's role in impulse control is key.
5. What is the primary function of the HPA axis in response to stress?
A) To rapidly activate the sympathetic nervous system.
B) To secrete cortisol and other hormones for prolonged stress responses.
C) To regulate digestion and energy storage.
D) To control voluntary movement during emergencies.
Correct Answer: To secrete cortisol and other hormones for prolonged stress
responses.
Rationale: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes increasingly
important with prolonged stressors, secreting cortisol and other hormones. The
sympathetic nervous system reacts more quickly. The HPA axis is essential for
understanding chronic stress effects.
6. Which of the following is a characteristic of pure autonomic failure?
A) The autonomic nervous system output to the body fails.
B) The central nervous system fails to process emotions.
C) The somatic nervous system is overactive.
D) The immune system attacks the nervous system.
Correct Answer: The autonomic nervous system output to the body fails.
Q&A | Liberty University
1. Which of the following best describes the James-Lange theory of emotion?
A) Emotional experience precedes physiological arousal.
B) Physiological arousal precedes emotional experience.
C) Emotional experience and physiological arousal occur simultaneously.
D) Emotional experience is independent of physiological arousal.
Correct Answer: Physiological arousal precedes emotional experience.
Rationale: The James-Lange theory posits that we experience physiological
changes first and then label those changes as an emotion. The Cannon-Bard theory
suggests simultaneous occurrence, and the Schachter-Singer theory emphasizes
cognitive labeling. The James-Lange theory is foundational to understanding
embodied emotion.
2. What is the primary function of the behavioral inhibition system (BIS)?
A) To regulate approach behaviors and positive emotions.
B) To inhibit behavior in response to signals of punishment.
C) To control voluntary muscle movements.
D) To regulate hunger and thirst.
Correct Answer: To inhibit behavior in response to signals of punishment.
,Rationale: The behavioral inhibition system is associated with increased
attention and arousal, decreased action, and fear or disgust in response to signals
of punishment or non-reward. The behavioral activation system regulates
approach behaviors. The BIS is critical for understanding anxiety and avoidance.
3. Which brain structure is most critical for the startle reflex?
A) Amygdala
B) Hippocampus
C) Cerebellum
D) Thalamus
Correct Answer: Amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala sends axons to the midbrain, which in turn sends
axons to the pons to control the startle reflex. The hippocampus is involved in
memory, the cerebellum in motor coordination, and the thalamus in sensory relay.
The amygdala's role in fear processing is well-established.
4. According to research, which neurotransmitter is most associated with violent
behavior when its turnover is low?
A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) Acetylcholine
D) Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: Serotonin
, Rationale: Low serotonin turnover is associated with an increased probability of
violent behavior in animal studies. Dopamine is linked to reward and motivation,
acetylcholine to arousal and attention, and norepinephrine to stress responses.
Serotonin's role in impulse control is key.
5. What is the primary function of the HPA axis in response to stress?
A) To rapidly activate the sympathetic nervous system.
B) To secrete cortisol and other hormones for prolonged stress responses.
C) To regulate digestion and energy storage.
D) To control voluntary movement during emergencies.
Correct Answer: To secrete cortisol and other hormones for prolonged stress
responses.
Rationale: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes increasingly
important with prolonged stressors, secreting cortisol and other hormones. The
sympathetic nervous system reacts more quickly. The HPA axis is essential for
understanding chronic stress effects.
6. Which of the following is a characteristic of pure autonomic failure?
A) The autonomic nervous system output to the body fails.
B) The central nervous system fails to process emotions.
C) The somatic nervous system is overactive.
D) The immune system attacks the nervous system.
Correct Answer: The autonomic nervous system output to the body fails.
