Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does the amygdala influence according to psychological theories?

1. Motor skills and coordination

2. Emotional responses and behavior

3. Memory recall and learning

4. Logical reasoning and problem-solving

The correct answer is: Emotional responses and behavior

The amygdala is a crucial structure in the brain that plays a significant role in the processing of emotions. According to psychological theories, it is particularly influential in emotional responses, such as fear, pleasure, and aggression. It helps to assess potential threats in the environment and triggers appropriate behavioral responses based on those assessments. This emotional processing is crucial for survival and influences how individuals react in various situations, guiding behavior in response to emotional stimuli. The other choices address functions associated with different areas of the brain. For instance, motor skills and coordination are primarily managed by the cerebellum and motor cortex, while memory recall and learning are largely associated with the hippocampus and surrounding regions. Logical reasoning and problem-solving are functions of the prefrontal cortex. Each of these functions represents different aspects of cognitive and motor abilities, which do not relate directly to the emotional influence of the amygdala.