Directions: For the following questions, highlight the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

Question

PART A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?

Dopamine in a neurotransmitter than is only present in the brain when it is experiencing unusually high or low activity.

People with high levels of dopamine, or who experience spikes, are often happier and healthier people.

Several different diseases and mood disorders can be solved by introducing additional dopamine to the brain.

Whether or not a person has healthy dopamine levels in their brain can determine the functionality of their movements and stability of their moods.

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

"Chemical messengers in the brain are called neurotransmitters. They shuttle across the spaces between cells." (Paragraph 2)

"To move normally, patients with Parkinson's take a drug that lets them make more dopamine, or they get an implant that stimulates deep regions of the brain." (Paragraph 4)

"Lowering dopamine can make animals lose pleasure in activities like eating and drinking. This joyless state is called anhedonia." (Paragraph 6)

"Drugs such as cocaine, nicotine and heroin cause huge boosts in dopamine. The 'high' people feel when they use drugs comes partly from that dopamine spike." (Paragraph 8)

How do paragraphs 4-5 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?

They show how dopamine from different areas of the brain serves different functions.

They reveal the different ways people with low dopamine levels can be treated.

They emphasize the positive and negative effects of low dopamine levels.

They stress how hard the brain has to work to produce normal levels of dopamine.

In the text, what connection does the author draw between Parkinson's disease and addiction?

The author illustrates how both are caused by abnormal levels of dopamine.

The author shows how both are caused by extremely low dopamine levels.

The author proves that both can be treated by modifying dopamine levels.

The author suggests that both are caused by people's failures to care for their bodies.

How does the author develop her analysis of the benefits and risks of dopamine's reward system?













In the text, the author discusses how dopamine can influence humans' mood and behavior. Have you ever before thought about brain chemistry as being something that helps make you who you are? How much of who you are do you think is based on your brain chemistry?



In the context of the text, what do you think is the importance of understanding dopamine’s role in the brain? How might this knowledge contribute to treating Parkinson’s disease and addiction?





8. How does this video explain dopamine? Write your response in complete sentences.



9. How true do you judge this short animation to be? Write your response in complete sentences.

Answer 1

PART A: The best statement that identifies the central idea of the text is:
"Whether or not a person has healthy dopamine levels in their brain can determine the functionality of their movements and stability of their moods."
This statement encapsulates the main theme of the text, which focuses on the impact of dopamine levels on both physical and emotional health.

PART B: The detail from the text that best supports the answer to Part A is:
"To move normally, patients with Parkinson's take a drug that lets them make more dopamine, or they get an implant that stimulates deep regions of the brain." (Paragraph 4)
This detail illustrates how dopamine levels directly affect movement, supporting the central idea about the functionality of movements related to dopamine.

How do paragraphs 4-5 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?
They reveal the different ways people with low dopamine levels can be treated.
These paragraphs provide specific examples of treatment methods for low dopamine levels, further developing the idea of dopamine's critical role in health.

In the text, what connection does the author draw between Parkinson's disease and addiction?
The author illustrates how both are caused by abnormal levels of dopamine.
This connection highlights a common theme regarding dopamine's influence on both movement disorders and addiction.

How does the author develop her analysis of the benefits and risks of dopamine's reward system?
The author discusses both the positive effects of dopamine in providing pleasure and motivation, while also explaining the risks associated with excessive dopamine spikes, such as addiction. By presenting both sides, the author provides a balanced view of dopamine’s role in health.

In the text, the author discusses how dopamine can influence humans' mood and behavior. Have you ever before thought about brain chemistry as being something that helps make you who you are? How much of who you are do you think is based on your brain chemistry?
Yes, I have thought about how brain chemistry, including neurotransmitters like dopamine, plays a significant role in shaping our moods and behaviors. I believe a considerable part of who I am is influenced by my brain chemistry, as it affects my emotions, decision-making, and overall mental health. Understanding this connection can lead to more awareness of how lifestyle choices impact mental well-being.

In the context of the text, what do you think is the importance of understanding dopamine’s role in the brain? How might this knowledge contribute to treating Parkinson’s disease and addiction?
Understanding dopamine’s role in the brain is crucial because it can inform treatment strategies for conditions like Parkinson's disease and addiction. By recognizing how dopamine affects mood and movement, medical professionals can develop targeted therapies that help restore balance in dopamine levels, which could alleviate symptoms or reduce the risk of addiction. This knowledge can lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for individuals affected by these conditions.

How does this video explain dopamine? Write your response in complete sentences.
The video explains dopamine as a crucial neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the brain's reward system, influencing feelings of pleasure and motivation. It highlights how dopamine is released during enjoyable activities, encouraging individuals to repeat those behaviors. The video also addresses the relationship between dopamine levels and various mental health issues and movement disorders, emphasizing its significance in overall well-being.

How true do you judge this short animation to be? Write your response in complete sentences.
I judge this short animation to be quite true and informative, as it accurately represents the role of dopamine in the brain. It simplifies complex concepts related to neurotransmission and rewards while providing relatable examples of everyday behaviors impacted by dopamine. However, while the animation is a helpful introduction, it is essential to consult more in-depth sources for a comprehensive understanding of the nuances in dopamine’s interactions and effects.