P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
BPM335 Meditation and the
Body Final Exam Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 |
University of Toronto |
Verified Questions
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 86 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This verified document provides 86 University of Toronto final exam questions with correct
answers and detailed rationales for BPM335 Meditation and the Body. It includes diagrams
and is suitable for comprehensive study, review, and certification preparation in the
cognitive aspects of meditation. This resource directly aligns with the exam's scope and
offers in-depth explanations to solidify understanding.
TOPICS
Memory and Cognition Q1–Q24
Cellular Aging and Meditation Q25–Q27
Pain Perception and Meditation Q28–Q42
States of Consciousness and Physiology Q43–Q65
Sleep and Meditation Q66–Q86
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 86
Memory
CORRECT ANSWER
Process whereby information is encoded (1), consolidated (2) + retrieved (3)
RATIONALE
Memory is defined by the interconnected processes of encoding new information, consolidating it
into long-term storage, and subsequently retrieving it when needed. This tripartite model
encompasses the entire dynamic of information retention and recall.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 86
Short-term Memory
CORRECT ANSWER
Mental sketchpad where information is kept briefly
Capacity is limited, duration is short (~20 seconds)
Information here is lost unless it is emotionally salient and/or mentally rehearsed
Tested using Digit span task
Limitations:
- Multi-tasking is difficult to explain (can't have just 1 store)
RATIONALE
The mental sketchpad, or phonological loop, temporarily holds auditory and speech-based
information for brief periods, explaining why information is lost without rehearsal and why
multitasking is challenging. This concept highlights the limited capacity and short duration
characteristic of short-term memory.
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, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 86
Working Memory
CORRECT ANSWER
Newer understanding of short-term memory that incorporates several memory stores (explains
multi-tasking)
Several processes working together:
- visuospatial sketchpad
- phonological loop
- central executive
Working memory involves manipulating information
RATIONALE
Working memory, a modern conceptualization of short-term memory, explains multi-tasking by
positing the integration of information through distinct components like the visuospatial
sketchpad, phonological loop, and central executive, which actively manipulate data. This
framework highlights the dynamic processing and storage of information required for complex
cognitive tasks.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 86
Long-term memory
Page 3
, CORRECT ANSWER
Any memory longer than STM (>20secs)
Stores information for minutes, hours, days, weeks + beyond (perhaps a lifetime)
Loses detail over time, can be reinforced by repetition
Declarative (things you know that you can tell others) -> hippocampus DEPENDENT
- e.g. being tested on an exam (better LTM -> better on exam if test is memory dependent)
Nondeclarative/procedural (things you can show by doing) -> hippocampus independent
RATIONALE
Long-term memory encompasses information retained beyond short-term memory's duration, with
declarative aspects relying on the hippocampus for consolidation and recall. This distinction
highlights the hippocampus's role in explicit memory formation, contrasting with implicit or
procedural memory which is independent of this structure.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 86
Role of Hippocampus in memory
CORRECT ANSWER
Involved in memory consolidation, spatially guided behaviour, and emotion
'Gateway to declarative memory)
Case study of HM and the Hippocampus
- hippocampus (+more) removed to treat epilepsy
- acquired anterograde amnesia afterwards
- impaired declarative memory
RATIONALE
The hippocampus is critical for consolidating new declarative memories, enabling spatial
navigation, and processing emotions, as evidenced by HM's profound anterograde amnesia
following its surgical removal. This structure acts as a gateway for transferring information into
long-term memory storage.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 86
What type of memory has been most studied by meditation researchers?
CORRECT ANSWER
Short-term memory because it is the easiest to study (quick and easier to make conclusions)
- research on STM does not automatically generalize to LTM
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