PSYC 301
Biological Basis of Behavior
MIDTERM READINESS EXAM
GUIDE
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is primarily
involved in the modulation of mood and anxiety?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin is known to play a key role in the
modulation of mood and anxiety, with imbalances often
associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The ________ is the part of the brain
responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythms.
Answer: Suprachiasmatic nucleus
Rationale: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is located
in the hypothalamus and is known as the body's 'master
clock,' regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
3. True/False: The amygdala is involved in the processing
of memory and emotional reactions.
Answer: True
Rationale: The amygdala is a key structure in the limbic
system and is critical for emotion processing and memory
formation, particularly fear-related memories.
4. Multiple Response: Select all that apply. Which of the
following are functions of the prefrontal cortex?
a) Decision making
b) Problem-solving
c) Emotional regulation
d) Visual processing
Answers: a) Decision making, b) Problem-solving, c)
©2024/2025
, Emotional regulation
Rationale: The prefrontal cortex is involved in various
higher cognitive functions including decision making,
problem-solving, and emotional regulation, but not primarily
in visual processing.
5. Multiple Choice: The 'fight or flight' response is initiated
by the activation of which part of the nervous system?
a) Central nervous system
b) Somatic nervous system
c) Autonomic nervous system
d) Peripheral nervous system
Answer: c) Autonomic nervous system
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system controls
involuntary body functions, and its sympathetic division is
responsible for the 'fight or flight' response during stressful
situations.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank: ________ are the brain's natural opioids
and are involved in pain relief.
Answer: Endorphins
Rationale: Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as
the body's natural painkillers and are released in response
to stress or discomfort.
7. True/False: Neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons,
only occurs during embryonic development.
Answer: False
Rationale: While neurogenesis is most active during
prenatal development, recent studies have shown that it
continues to occur in certain areas of the adult brain, such
as the hippocampus.
©2024/2025
Biological Basis of Behavior
MIDTERM READINESS EXAM
GUIDE
Q&S
©2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is primarily
involved in the modulation of mood and anxiety?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin is known to play a key role in the
modulation of mood and anxiety, with imbalances often
associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The ________ is the part of the brain
responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythms.
Answer: Suprachiasmatic nucleus
Rationale: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is located
in the hypothalamus and is known as the body's 'master
clock,' regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
3. True/False: The amygdala is involved in the processing
of memory and emotional reactions.
Answer: True
Rationale: The amygdala is a key structure in the limbic
system and is critical for emotion processing and memory
formation, particularly fear-related memories.
4. Multiple Response: Select all that apply. Which of the
following are functions of the prefrontal cortex?
a) Decision making
b) Problem-solving
c) Emotional regulation
d) Visual processing
Answers: a) Decision making, b) Problem-solving, c)
©2024/2025
, Emotional regulation
Rationale: The prefrontal cortex is involved in various
higher cognitive functions including decision making,
problem-solving, and emotional regulation, but not primarily
in visual processing.
5. Multiple Choice: The 'fight or flight' response is initiated
by the activation of which part of the nervous system?
a) Central nervous system
b) Somatic nervous system
c) Autonomic nervous system
d) Peripheral nervous system
Answer: c) Autonomic nervous system
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system controls
involuntary body functions, and its sympathetic division is
responsible for the 'fight or flight' response during stressful
situations.
6. Fill-in-the-Blank: ________ are the brain's natural opioids
and are involved in pain relief.
Answer: Endorphins
Rationale: Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as
the body's natural painkillers and are released in response
to stress or discomfort.
7. True/False: Neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons,
only occurs during embryonic development.
Answer: False
Rationale: While neurogenesis is most active during
prenatal development, recent studies have shown that it
continues to occur in certain areas of the adult brain, such
as the hippocampus.
©2024/2025
