How Emotions Affect Decisions

What work together to process emotions?

• The kidneys and liver.

• The amygdala and cortex.

• The heart and lungs.

• The stomach and intestines.

What happens in your brain when you feel strong emotions?

• The cerebellum takes over to enhance physical coordination.

• The hypothalamus increases body temperature dramatically.

• The medulla oblongata shuts down non-essential bodily functions.

• The amygdala sends a message to the cortex that you’re experiencing a strong emotion. Then the cortex helps manage the emotion.

When feeling that strong emotion, what was happening in your brain that made it difficult to make a good decision?

• Your cerebellum was overwhelming your sensory inputs.

• You reacted after your cortex had time to think.

• Your amygdala worked faster than your cortex.

• Your hippocampus was retrieving too many memories at once.

How does your brain help you make decisions when playing a video game?

• The medulla oblongata controls the game controller.

• The cortex thinks about the best move.

• The neurons play rock, paper, scissors.

• The hippocampus looks up cheat codes.

What happens in your brain to make you feel happy when you eat your favorite food?

• Your brain releases a chemical called dopamine.

• Your brain takes a nap.

• Your brain sends a thank you note to your stomach.

• Your brain creates a rainbow.

Why might you feel scared to speak in front of the class?

• Your brain is playing hide and seek.

• Your neurons are too busy dancing.

• The cortex thinks about the best move.

• Your amygdala reacts to fear.

What part of the brain is like a boss, making sure you stay focused on homework?

• The hypothalamus, deciding it's snack time.

• The amygdala, keeping things spicy.

• The prefrontal cortex.

• Your body releases a stress hormone called adrenaline.

How can taking deep breaths help you calm down?

• It cools down the brain's engine.

• It signals your brain to relax.

• It distracts your neurons with a breeze.

• It gives your brain a mini-vacation.

Why should you pause before making a decision when you're feeling overwhelmed?

• To wait for a sign from the universe.

• So you can hear what your pet would advise.

• To give yourself time to calm down and think clearly.

• Because the floor might turn into lava.

What impact does being in a great mood have on your decisions?

• Your laugh becomes contagious.

• You might be more open to trying new things.

• You might choose something just because someone else has it.

• You might decide to stick close to your friends.