Critical Thinking (or not)
Science!
Don't Be Nervous
Braaaains...
When Brains Go Bad
100
This term refers to the common error we make, when we mistakenly believe that we could have accurately predicted an event before it happens.
What is hindsight bias?
100
In research, this is a predictive statement, usually made in the form of an "If (I do this), then (this will happen)..."
What is a hypothesis?
100
Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Endorphins are common kinds of *these* brain chemicals.
What are neurotransmitters?
100
This essential part of the brain stem controls heart beat and respiration.
What is the medulla?
100
This unfortunate railroad worker accidentally got his frontal lobe pierced by an iron rod, but at least we learned about the brain...
Who was Phineas Gage?
200
This is the name for not-very-scientific psychology, designed for entertainment value rather than scientific progress.
What is "pop psychology?"
200
This type of research is an in-depth examination of a single person (or very small group of subjects).
What is a Case Study?
200
This lengthy part of the neuron is responsible for sending messages to other neurons.
What is the axon?
200
This part of the limbic system is associated with fear and anger responses, as well as emotional memories.
What is the amygdala?
200

Severing *this* band of nerves that connect the two brain hemispheres can help treat seizures, but may lead to strange side effects.

What is the corpus callosum?

300
This refers to the tendency of people to look for information that agrees with their beliefs, and ignore info that might challenge their beliefs.
What is confirmation bias?
300

When conducting an experiment, this is the name for the "outcome" variable you are measuring at the end of the study?

What is the dependent variable?

300
This division of the nervous system represents all the nerves NOT including the brain and spinal cord.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
300
Though vision begins in the eyes, this part of the brain, which processes visual info, is located on back of the head.
What is the occipital lobe?
300

This is the term for the brain's ability to recover from injury by working around a damaged area.

What is "neuroplasticity?"

400
When using Critical Thinking to answer a question, a true scientist is always looking for *this.*
What is EVIDENCE?
400
This is the ONLY kind of study that can tell us about cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
What is an Experiment?
400
This is the tiny space between the axon terminal of one neuron, and the dendrites of another.
What is the synapse (or synaptic gap)?
400
This part of the brain has to do with sensory information from the body, and hand-eye coordination.
What is the parietal lobe?
400
This is the name for discomfort experienced by an amputated body part.
What is Phantom Limb Pain?
500
This term refers to the tendency to put too much trust in our abilities and future performance.
What is overconfidence?
500

This German scientist is often believed to be the father of experimental psychology.

Who is Wilhelm Wundt?

500
This is the name for the electrical impulse that travels through the neuron when it "fires."
What is an Action Potential?
500
Don't forget - this part of the brain is essential for converting short-term into long-term memory.
What is the hippocampus?
500

The myth "we only use 10% of our brains" ignores the important role of *these* brain areas.

What are "association areas?"

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