Chapter 3 Questions for Discussion

  1. You learned that across time, when scholars described the brain, they typically chose some recently developed technology. Currently, we describe our brains as being computerlike or even Internetlike. What are some limitations of these analogies? What, if any, other technologies do you foresee taking their place? [Analyze]

  2. As noted in the chapter, we can conceptualize the brain as a tool—one we use for thinking, among other things. This highlights the idea that our brains do not do our thinking for us; rather, we are the ones who use our brains to think. Do you think this suggests that our minds and our brains are separate? How do you conceptualize the relationship between the brain and the person using the brain? [Analyze]

  3. A popular myth suggests we use only 10% of our brains. Is such a claim true? Explore the answer by specifying the areas of the brain likely to be active when you have a conversation with someone right before lunch. Is this proportion greater than or less than 10%? [Comprehend]

  4. MacLean’s triune brain is a model that suggests we have three brains in one: a reptilian brain, a paleomammalian brain, and a neomammalian brain. What behaviors and capabilities would be affected if any of these three levels were removed from the individual? Would we still be human if the neomammalian brain were removed? What about the paleomammalian brain? [Analyze]

  5. Mnemonics are techniques used to organize information in memory so that it is easier to retrieve later. What mnemonics can you use to memorize the structures of the brain and their functions? How might MacLean’s triune brain model help you organize this information? [Comprehend]

  6. Name a part of the body whose sensory processing takes up a lot of “real estate” in the sensory cortex. Why might this particular body part take up so much space in the sensory cortex? [Analyze]

  7. Name a part of the body whose motor processing takes up a lot of “real estate” in the sensory cortex. Why might this particular body part take up so much space in the motor cortex? [Analyze]