(MCQ) How friendship affects your brain - Shannon Odell

1. What is the main purpose of friendships in our life stories?

• A) To help us with schoolwork

• B) To provide emotional support and companionship

• C) To ensure we always have someone to compete with

• D) To give us opportunities for financial success

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"Friendships can hold an exceptional place in our life stories." (0:07)

Explanation:
Friendships are important because they give us emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. We often rely on friends during tough times, and they bring joy into our lives. While schoolwork, competition, or financial opportunities may be side effects of friendships, they are not the main reason people value them.

2. Why does the speaker consider Priya a great friend?

• A) She is always available to lend money

• B) She helps the speaker with schoolwork

• C) She makes every situation fun and is always there for support

• D) She is the most popular person at school

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"She can turn any situation into a good time—chemistry lab, band practice." (0:29-0:32)
"And she’s always there for me." (0:39)

Explanation:
A great friend isn’t just someone who is rich, smart, or popular; a true friend brings happiness and supports you emotionally. The speaker describes Priya as someone who makes even boring moments fun and is always there when needed, which are qualities of a meaningful friendship.

3. What does the speaker mean when they say they and Priya are “always on the same page”?

• A) They share similar interests and understand each other well

• B) They read the same books all the time

• C) They always agree on everything

• D) They compete with each other in academics

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"We’re always on the same page; it’s as if we can read each other’s minds!" (0:56-0:58)

Explanation:
Being "on the same page" is a common expression that means two people think alike or understand each other deeply. It doesn’t mean they always agree but rather that they share a strong connection and can communicate easily.

4. Why do friendships in adolescence feel particularly special?

• A) Because friendships in childhood and adulthood are not important

• B) Because the brain changes how it values and connects with friends during adolescence

• C) Because teenagers have no responsibilities and more free time

• D) Because parents encourage teenagers to spend more time with friends

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"Adolescence is a unique time when peer relationships take focus, and thanks to the developing brain, there are changes in the way you value, understand, and connect to friends." (1:22-1:28)

Explanation:
During adolescence, the brain undergoes changes that make social interactions more meaningful. This is why teenagers feel stronger emotions and deeper connections with their friends. It’s not just about having free time—there’s a biological reason friendships become so important at this stage.

5. What is the ventral striatum responsible for?

• A) Controlling movement

• B) Regulating body temperature

• C) Helping with memory

• D) Making social interactions enjoyable

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"This drive to hang with pals may be due to changes in the brain’s reward center, known as the ventral striatum. Its activation makes hanging out with others enjoyable." (1:46-1:56)

Explanation:
The ventral striatum is part of the brain’s reward system. When it’s activated, people feel pleasure or motivation. This is why teenagers enjoy spending time with their friends—because their brains reward them for social interactions.

6. What is Theory of Mind?

• A) The ability to predict the future

• B) The ability to understand others’ emotions and perspectives

• C) The ability to read people’s thoughts

• D) A part of the brain that controls emotions

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"Theory of Mind is the ability to understand others’ emotions, thoughts, motivations, and points of view." (2:22-2:26)

Explanation:
Theory of Mind helps people recognize that others have different thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. It’s not mind-reading; instead, it’s the ability to empathize and consider another person’s point of view, which is crucial for meaningful friendships.

7. At what age do babies start developing Theory of Mind?

• A) 18 months

• B) 6 months

• C) 5 years

• D) 10 years

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"Babies begin to develop Theory of Mind around 18 months or so." (2:41-2:46)

Explanation:
Before 18 months, babies don’t understand that other people have different thoughts from their own. Around this age, they start showing signs of realizing that others can have different knowledge or feelings—this is an early stage of Theory of Mind.

8. What is interpersonal synchrony?

• A) The ability to perform multiple tasks at once

• B) The coordination of actions, emotions, and thoughts between individuals

• C) The ability to copy someone’s handwriting

• D) The process of learning a new language

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"Your ability to connect with others somewhat depends on the coordination of actions, emotions, physiology, and thoughts. This is what psychologists call interpersonal synchrony." (3:24-3:32)

Explanation:
Interpersonal synchrony is when people unconsciously match each other’s movements, speech patterns, or emotions. For example, when two people are close friends, they might start laughing at the same time, walking in sync, or finishing each other’s sentences without realizing it.

9. How does interpersonal synchrony appear in daily life?

• A) By always agreeing with a friend

• B) By thinking about a friend all the time

• C) By being able to tell the future

• D) By mirroring movements and speech patterns during interactions

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
"For example, imagine walking down the street with a friend. Often without consciously thinking, you stroll at the same pace and follow the same path." (3:48-3:53)

Explanation:
People naturally sync their behaviors when they interact closely. Have you ever noticed that you and your best friend sometimes say the same thing at the same time or walk at the same pace? This is interpersonal synchrony, and it helps strengthen friendships.

10. What is the overall message of the transcript?

• A) Friendships are unimportant and temporary

• B) People should spend more time alone

• C) Friendships, especially in adolescence, have a strong emotional and scientific basis

• D) The brain does not change how we value friendships

Answer explanation

Key from Transcript:
The entire transcript discusses how friendships impact emotional well-being and are supported by neuroscience.

Explanation:
The transcript highlights that friendships are not just emotionally meaningful but also supported by science. The brain undergoes changes that make friendships stronger, and interpersonal synchrony and Theory of Mind help deepen these connections.