NSCI 175 Exam 1 questions with correct answers

Explain the reductionist approach Answer Breaking the topic of neuroscience down into smaller pieces (Cognitive, Behavior, Systems, Cellular, Molecular). Pros: can be more detailed; get a better explanation of the topics Cons: can be hard to see the big picture Compare different levels of analysis in neuroscience research (molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and cognitive neuroscience) Answer Molecular- looking at the molecules that bind to receptors and how that can change the receptors Cellular- how molecules work together to give neurons their special properties. How do neurons communication? What are their different functions? Different types of neurons? etc Systems- how different neural circuits analyze information, form perceptions, make decisions, and execute movement Behavioral- how do neural systems work to provide integrated behavior? Cognitive- neural mechanisms required for higher level mental activity, such as self-awareness, imagination, and memory. Describe the four essential steps in the scientific process with examples Answer 1. Observation- making a hypothesis and observing results 2. Replication- replicating your previous findings 3. Interpretation- what we think it means 4. Verification- getting other people to verify that this experiment works. A single experiment doesn't prove anything; it provides support for a hypothesis or theory Explain the importance of animal research in the field of neuroscience Answer Most of the research in this field is on animals. Humane treatment: Animal Welfare Act and the Insti