Question 1

Sensitivity to the intensity of painful stimuli cannot be decreased by meditation training.

Accepted Answer

Some studies have suggested that meditation training can lead to a decrease in pain sensitivity, but this is not universally accepted among the scientific community. The current evidence is not strong enough to draw definitive conclusions, but some potential mechanisms by which meditation may affect pain include changes in attentional focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive appraisal. However, it is important to note that not all types of meditation practices are the same, and different techniques may have varying effects on pain perception. Additionally, the individual's level of experience and dedication to their practice may also play a role in determining the extent of pain relief that can be achieved through meditation training.

Question 2

Perceptual set can lead people to misinterpret ambiguous stimuli.

Accepted Answer

Perceptual set refers to the tendency of the brain to perceive things based on expectations and prior knowledge, which can sometimes result in misinterpretation of ambiguous stimuli.

Question 3

Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve pain that is associated with chronic headaches, arthritis, and chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture has been studied and shown to have positive effects on pain relief for chronic headaches, arthritis, and chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. It works by stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles to release endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

Question 4

Sensitivity to the unpleasantness of painful stimuli can be decreased by meditation training.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can reduce sensitivity to pain by changing how the brain processes the sensory information related to pain. This effect may be due to meditation's ability to change the brain's responses to stress and anxiety, which can heighten pain sensitivity.

Question 5

Regardless of their culture or learning experiences, people around the world are equally susceptible to the famous Müller-Lyer illusion.

Accepted Answer

The susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer illusion varies across different cultures, with research showing that people from non-Western cultures, particularly those not exposed to carpentered corners and right angles in their environment, are less likely to be deceived by it.

Question 6

Although early results were promising, the latest controlled research studies show that acupuncture is largely ineffective in providing relief of pain, especially joint pain.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect. While some studies have shown mixed results, there is evidence to suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for certain types of pain, including joint pain. Further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

Question 7

Much to the surprise of mainstream medicine, wearing powerful magnets or applying them to injured tissues has been proven to be an effective form of pain relief.

Accepted Answer

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports the use of magnets for pain relief as an effective treatment, and mainstream medicine does not recognize it as a proven method.

Question 8

Biofeedback involves the use of equipment that detects subtle bodily changes and helps people gain a greater degree of conscious control over largely automatic body functions, such as blood pressure and muscle tension.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Biofeedback is a technique that involves the use of specialized equipment to measure and provide feedback about physiological processes, with the goal of enabling individuals to learn to control these processes voluntarily, such as reducing their heart rate or relaxing their muscles.

Question 9

Focusing your attention on something other than a painful stimulus, such as counting backwards in your mind, can reduce the perception of pain.

Accepted Answer

This is correct. Focusing attention on something other than pain can help reduce the perception of pain. This technique is often used in various forms of pain management, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation.

Quiz 3: Section 3: Sensation and Perception