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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what do human beings seem to be predisposed without prior learning?

2. How did Whitman die?

3. Who obtained a record of the arresting incident?

4. What studies does Eagleman look at in this chapter?

5. What does Eagleman say a man named Alex started demonstrating?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the frontal cortex is damaged?

2. What does a team of rivals have to do with the brain?

3. What does Eagleman say about the abilities of a bloodhound?

4. What does Eagleman say about free will?

5. What does Eagleman suggest about our culpability in our actions, particularly males?

6. Explain the study that was performed on how men rate a woman's attractiveness.

7. What does Eagleman say about a man named Alex?

8. Who is Charles Whitman and what did he do and what may have contributed to his actions?

9. What does Eagleman have readers consider about Whitman?

10. Does Eagleman think genetics or upbringing has more to bear on one's actions and does he think it is an important question?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Another set of conflicting motivations in the human mind is the rivalry between short term and long term desires, Eagleman argues. He presents several examples of people acting in ways that serve a long-term interest and protect them from the their short-term tendencies. A Christmas club is one such example, where people put money aside each month and then have it returned at Christmas time for purchasing gifts. These kinds of self-bargains are called "Ulysses contracts" after the classical figure Ulysses who had himself lashed to the mast of his boat so he would not be persuaded by the beautiful song of the sirens to steer his boat into the rocks.

1. Why do you think it is important to learn how to delay gratification? Use examples from your own life and Incognito to support your reasoning.

2. What do you think might be the difference in delaying short term goals between a child of 10 and an adult? Use examples from your own life and Incognito to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss an example in your own life where you did or did not delay an immediate desire in order to achieve a long term goal. How did this incident relate to one of the examples Eagleman gave?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful work of non-fiction?

2. Analyze and discuss The Hand based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Incognito is a successful work of non-fiction/memoir.

3. Is The Hand a book you would recommend to a friend? Why or why not? Explain.

4. Can a non-fictional book be successful and yet many readers not enjoy it? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Incognito is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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