10 questions
A cynic would most likely respond to the achievements of another with
confusion
admiration
criticism
envy
How do the authors first establish the connection between science and magic?
with an anecdote about a magic trick and how it works
with a definition of the new field of neuromagic
with a graphic that compares and contrasts the two fields
with a summary of the history of previous research
A neuroscientist studies
small particles.
qualities of light.
the nervous system.
mechanical processes.
In which statement does the author use personification to explain “neural adaptation”?
“The responsiveness of a neural system to a constant stimulus . . . decreases with time.”
“The spectators’ retinal neurons will rebound for a fraction of a second.”
“When the constant stimulus is turned off, the adapted neurons fire a rebound response.”
“It is as if neurons actively ignore a constant stimulus to save their strength. ”
Neural processes take place in the
brain
eye
fingers
imagination
According to the authors, what is one criticism of subjecting magic to scientific study?
The aims of science are different from those of magic.
The studies done so far just confirm what is already known.
Magicians use tricks to exploit cognitive weaknesses.
The studies would have been more useful had they been done earlier.
Which of the following is an example of “overt misdirection”?
The magician tells the audience to look at his lovely assistant.
The magician uses bright lights to create temporary blindness.
The magician performs the trick when the audience least expects it.
The magician uses special effects, such as an explosion or gunshot.
According to the authors, what is the most important reason for neuroscientists to study the tools of magic?
to gain a better understanding of how magic tricks work
to help magicians develop new and better illusions
to help people better control their own attention and awareness
to help develop new diagnostic and treatment methods for brain disorders
Which of the following is an example of “overt misdirection”?
The magician tells the audience to look at his lovely assistant.
The magician uses special effects, such as an explosion or gunshot.
The magician performs the trick when the audience least expects it.
The magician uses bright lights to create temporary blindness.
What is the main purpose of the sidebar below line 119?
to show what a normal brain looks like on an MRI scan
to show how the techniques of magic can help scientists understand the brain
to show how a cognitive illusion works in the brain
to show how scientists can use technology to diagnose brain disorders