NSCI 175 EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% CORRECT.
Explain why progress in science is often slow Answer - Science is an ongoing
process of questioning, observing, and testing
Explain the reductionist approach Answer - Neuroscientists break down
complex problems into smaller pieces for systematic experimental analysis
Compare the levels of analysis: molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and
cognitive neuroscience Answer - Molecular Neuroscience: Brain matter
consists of molecules and these different molecules play many different roles
crucial for brain function. Focus on single proteins/molecules and its function.
Cellular Neuroscience: Focus on studying how all these molecules work
together to give neurons their special properties. "How many different types?
How do they differ in function? How do they wire together?"
Systems Neuroscience: Study how different neural circuits analyze sensory
information, form perceptions (from external world), make decisions, and
execute movements. Focus on distinct circuitry.
Behavioral Neuroscience: Study on how these neural systems work together to
produce integrated behavior. Drugs and regulation of mood and behavior;
memory in different systems; systems and gender-specific behavior.
, Cognitive Neuroscience: Understanding neural mechanisms responsible for
higher levels of human mental activity, such as self-awareness, imagination,
and language.
List and Describe the four essential steps in the scientific process, with
examples Answer - 1) Observation: Observe how bats navigate 3D space
(because humans operate upright and bats fly)
2) Replication: Repeating the same experiment in different subjects/animals in
the same lab
3) Interpretation: The data found by this work on bats put to rest the once
popular theory that proposed a certain type of brain oscillation creates a grid-
like neural map. This theory came from rat studies and this oscillation found in
rats is absent in bats.
4) Verification: Needs to be verified by other scientists, a different research
group (find these cells in other mammals or in bats)
Discuss the importance of animal research in the field of neuroscience Answer
- Animal research is not just about testing drugs, it is about understanding basic
biology.
Many helpful (to humans) things have been created by animal research: Blood
transfusions; Insulin; Asthma inhalers; Hip replacements; Vaccines;
Antidepressants; etc
Explain when animal research is needed Answer - When there is not enough
information to make a model of the animal. Or when ethics will not allow for
the research to occur on humans.
ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% CORRECT.
Explain why progress in science is often slow Answer - Science is an ongoing
process of questioning, observing, and testing
Explain the reductionist approach Answer - Neuroscientists break down
complex problems into smaller pieces for systematic experimental analysis
Compare the levels of analysis: molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and
cognitive neuroscience Answer - Molecular Neuroscience: Brain matter
consists of molecules and these different molecules play many different roles
crucial for brain function. Focus on single proteins/molecules and its function.
Cellular Neuroscience: Focus on studying how all these molecules work
together to give neurons their special properties. "How many different types?
How do they differ in function? How do they wire together?"
Systems Neuroscience: Study how different neural circuits analyze sensory
information, form perceptions (from external world), make decisions, and
execute movements. Focus on distinct circuitry.
Behavioral Neuroscience: Study on how these neural systems work together to
produce integrated behavior. Drugs and regulation of mood and behavior;
memory in different systems; systems and gender-specific behavior.
, Cognitive Neuroscience: Understanding neural mechanisms responsible for
higher levels of human mental activity, such as self-awareness, imagination,
and language.
List and Describe the four essential steps in the scientific process, with
examples Answer - 1) Observation: Observe how bats navigate 3D space
(because humans operate upright and bats fly)
2) Replication: Repeating the same experiment in different subjects/animals in
the same lab
3) Interpretation: The data found by this work on bats put to rest the once
popular theory that proposed a certain type of brain oscillation creates a grid-
like neural map. This theory came from rat studies and this oscillation found in
rats is absent in bats.
4) Verification: Needs to be verified by other scientists, a different research
group (find these cells in other mammals or in bats)
Discuss the importance of animal research in the field of neuroscience Answer
- Animal research is not just about testing drugs, it is about understanding basic
biology.
Many helpful (to humans) things have been created by animal research: Blood
transfusions; Insulin; Asthma inhalers; Hip replacements; Vaccines;
Antidepressants; etc
Explain when animal research is needed Answer - When there is not enough
information to make a model of the animal. Or when ethics will not allow for
the research to occur on humans.
