BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY JAMES W FINAL
STUDY PAPER 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
◉ reflex. Answer: automatic behavior in response to a specific
stimulus; does not involve communication with the brain
◉ brainstem. Answer: the oldest part and central core of the brain;
responsible for automatic survival functions and composed of
medulla, pons, and reticular formation.
◉ medulla. Answer: base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat &
breathing
◉ reticular formation. Answer: band of nerve fibers that run through
the center of the brain stem; important in controlling arousal levels
◉ cerebellum. Answer: structure of the hindbrain that coordinates
voluntary muscular movements
◉ corpus callosum. Answer: wide band of neural fibers that
connects the two hemispheres of the brain
, ◉ limbic system. Answer: a group of structures located beneath the
cerebral cortex that are involved in regulating emotions and
motivated behaviors
◉ thalamus. Answer: subcortical structure that relays incoming
sensory information to the cerebral cortex and other parts of the
brain; a.k.a "sensory switchboard"
◉ electroenchephalogram (EEG). Answer: device that monitors and
records waves of electric activity within the brain; measured by
electrodes placed on the scalp
◉ positron emission tomography (PET scan). Answer: visual display
of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose
goes while the brain performs a given task
◉ computed tomography (CT scan). Answer: imaging technique that
involves the production of a large number of X-rays interpreted by a
computer
◉ MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Answer: imaging technique
that involves the use of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to
produce a signal that can be interpreted by computer
STUDY PAPER 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
◉ reflex. Answer: automatic behavior in response to a specific
stimulus; does not involve communication with the brain
◉ brainstem. Answer: the oldest part and central core of the brain;
responsible for automatic survival functions and composed of
medulla, pons, and reticular formation.
◉ medulla. Answer: base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat &
breathing
◉ reticular formation. Answer: band of nerve fibers that run through
the center of the brain stem; important in controlling arousal levels
◉ cerebellum. Answer: structure of the hindbrain that coordinates
voluntary muscular movements
◉ corpus callosum. Answer: wide band of neural fibers that
connects the two hemispheres of the brain
, ◉ limbic system. Answer: a group of structures located beneath the
cerebral cortex that are involved in regulating emotions and
motivated behaviors
◉ thalamus. Answer: subcortical structure that relays incoming
sensory information to the cerebral cortex and other parts of the
brain; a.k.a "sensory switchboard"
◉ electroenchephalogram (EEG). Answer: device that monitors and
records waves of electric activity within the brain; measured by
electrodes placed on the scalp
◉ positron emission tomography (PET scan). Answer: visual display
of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose
goes while the brain performs a given task
◉ computed tomography (CT scan). Answer: imaging technique that
involves the production of a large number of X-rays interpreted by a
computer
◉ MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Answer: imaging technique
that involves the use of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to
produce a signal that can be interpreted by computer
