There Is Some Concern Among Forensic Psychologists That the Attention

question 62

Multiple Choice

There is some concern among forensic psychologists that the attention of a crime witness may be drawn to a weapon in the scene, impairing her ability to identify the perpetrator. Based on the discussion of emotion and cognition in your text, is this concern justified? Why or why not?

• A) Yes, the concern is justified. Fear or anxiety reduces the amount of information one can process.
• B) No, the concern is not justified. Fear or anxiety broadens the focus of attention.
• C) No, the concern is not justified. Fear or anxiety blocks one's ability to process much of anything.
• D) Yes, the concern is justified. Fear or anxiety may narrow the focus of attention to the source of the threat.

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Definitions:

Excitatory PSPs

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials are increases in potential that bring a neuron closer to the threshold for firing, facilitating the transmission of signals.

Inhibitory PSPs

Post-synaptic potentials that make a post-synaptic neuron less likely to generate an action potential.

Absolute Refractory Period

A period immediately following the firing of a nerve fiber when it cannot be stimulated for a brief period, regardless of how strong the incoming stimulus may be.

Relative Refractory Period

A period shortly after the firing of a nerve during which the nerve cannot be stimulated to fire again at its maximum rate, but can still respond to a stronger than usual stimulus.