Magic and the Brain

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

In which statement does the author use personfication 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.”

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.

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.

1. 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.

Which of the following best states the central idea of the section under the heading “Controlling Awareness in the Wired Brain”?

• Scientists have discovered which area of the brain interprets causal relationships.

• The methods of magic may help scientists learn to manipulate

  human awareness.

• A skilled magician can cause viewers to misinterpret cause and

  effect.

• Watching videos of magic tricks activates a particular area of the brain.

Neural processes take place in the

• brain.

• eye.

• fingers.

• imagination.

A neuroscientist studies

• small particles.

• qualities of light.

• the nervous system.

• mechanical processes.

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.

A cynic would most likely respond to the achievements of another with

• confusion.

• admiration.

• criticism.

• envy.