General Psychology

Tentative list of essay and short answer questions for Exam #1

Some of these questions will be chosen by the professor for the exam.

1. ESSAY: Describe the link between ONE (you choose which one) of these neurotransmitters and various drugs, diseases, and treatments for diseases
   
   1. acetylcholine
   2. dopamine
   3. serotonin
   4. norephephrine
   5. GABA
   6. endorphin
2. How do scientists determine the functions of various areas of the brain? Describe TWO methods/sources of information.
3. Why is examining Einstein's brain less informative than many people expect?
4. Label the area of the brain marked on a diagram [see list in study guide for possibilities], and describe the function of that area of the brain.
5. Do dieters usually lose weight? Why or why not?
6. Describe the five stages of sleep and major characteristics of each stage.
7. ESSAY: (a) Describe ONE theory in psychology about why we need REM/dreaming (EXCEPT unconscious wish fulfillment). (b) Describe studies and/or facts about REM/dreaming that provide supporting evidence for the theory.
8. Describe the route/process of visual sensation and perception, from light entering the eye to recognition of what one is seeing.
9. ESSAY: What type(s) of memory problems did Clive Wearing have? Why? What type(s) of memory did he still have? Why?
10. What does it mean to say that memory is a "reconstructive process"?
11. What is a recovered memory? What does research on memory indicate about the validity of recovered memories of sexual abuse?
12. Explain TWO ways long-term memory can be enhanced.
13. Explain TWO ways short-term memory can be enhanced.
14. What is childhood amnesia? Describe one explanation that has been offered for childhood amnesia.