AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1401 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is closest to how many times faster a myelinated nerve sheath can transmit a neural impulse compared to an unmyelinated sheath?

Possible Answers:

There is no difference in speed.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Myelination works by providing a faster medium (fatty material) for the transmission of electrical impulses than could otherwise be achieved. While not present on all nerve fibers, myelinated nerves are found throughout the body.

Example Question #1402 : Ap Psychology

Too much __________ in the body can cause muscle spasms and tremors, while too little can cause paralysis and torpor.

Possible Answers:

acetylcholine

epinephrine

GABA

dopamine

Correct answer:

dopamine

Explanation:

The presence of dopamine in excess causes the classic symptoms of agitation, which can include inattention, aggressiveness, inability to focus the eyes, and in severe cases muscle tremors or spasms. In severe cases of dopamine limitation, paralysis, torporous aspect and even death can occur.

Example Question #231 : Biology And Sensation

When an impulse reaches the end of one neuron and needs to cross the synaptic gap, neurotransmitters are released by the ____________.

Possible Answers:

Synaptic vesicles

Myelin sheath

Dendrites

Synaptic branch

Correct answer:

Synaptic vesicles

Explanation:

The vesicles, located in the synaptic knob, also help with the resorption of used neurotransmitters during the reuptake phase.

Example Question #101 : Biology

Areas of the cerebral cortex which are associated neither with primary motor movements nor with sensory input or processing are referred to as _____________.

Possible Answers:

coordination areas

sympathetic areas

limbic areas

association areas

Correct answer:

association areas

Explanation:

Association areas, such as Broca's area, are involved in "higher" brain processes such as pattern recognition, speaking, thinking and memory.

Example Question #235 : Biology And Sensation

Which of the following is the best definition of neuroplasticity?

Possible Answers:

The ability of each of the brain's halves to duplicate the function of the other half, allowing humans to survive/thrive with only half a brain if necessary

The ability of the brain to change, in structure, shape, and function, over the course of a lifetime

The ability of the brain to, over time, regenerate lost neural tissue, and replace broken neural connections

The ability of the brain to "work around" damaged areas, diverting the former functions of damaged tissues elsewhere

Correct answer:

The ability of the brain to change, in structure, shape, and function, over the course of a lifetime

Explanation:

Neuroplasticity replaced the former "static organ" model of brain functioning through recognition that in response to changes in behavior, environment, or even injury to the brain, the brain's functions, structure and shape can change. This plasticity occurs at both the synaptic and non-synaptic levels.

Example Question #236 : Biology And Sensation

The __________ is/are a ring-shaped association of different brain structures in the forebrain, commonly associated with emotions and memories.

Possible Answers:

somatic system

limbic system

hippocampal grouping

association areas

Correct answer:

limbic system

Explanation:

The limbic system is composed of the septum, cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus, and amygdala, plus other more minor formations. This system is particularly associated with the formation of memory.

Example Question #237 : Biology And Sensation

The transmission of neural impulses in the brain is regulated through __________.

Possible Answers:

the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters

the process of reuptake of neurotransmitters

All of the other answers

the action of enzymes that break down neurotransmitters

the release of excitatory neurotransmitters

Correct answer:

All of the other answers

Explanation:

All of the answers lead to regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus leading to regulation of neural impulses. A combination of releasing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and also removing them from the synapses leads to the diverse neural impulses in the brain.

Example Question #51 : Brain And Nervous System

Angie comes home after school and discovers that her front door is ajar and several windows on her house have been broken. Suddenly, her breathing and heart rate quicken. Her blood pressure increased and she has goose bumps and sweaty palms. Which of the following parts of Angie's nervous system is being activated?

Possible Answers:

Central nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Basic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

Correct answer:

Autonomic nervous system

Explanation:

The autonomic nervous system is made up of nerves that connect to the heart, blood vessels, smooth muscles, and glands. The autonomic nervous system controls automatic and involuntary physiological arousals that occur when people experience emotions. In this case, Angie is experiencing a lot of fear or other emotions due to the break in and her autonomic nervous system is hijacking her body, preparing her for a possible fight or flight situation. 

Like the autonomic nervous system, the somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system; however, its function is for voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory receptors. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, but doesn't include the peripheral nerves that made Angie react the way she did. The basic nervous system is not a real system. 

Example Question #111 : Biology

Typically, research on cerebral specialization has supported which of the following findings?

Possible Answers:

The left and right hemispheres handle visual-spatial functions and language functions about equally

The left hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the right brain handles language

If you lose functioning in one side of the brain, then the other side of the brain cannot compensate for the loss

The right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left brain handles language

Correct answer:

The right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left brain handles language

Explanation:

Research has shown that different parts of the brain handle different tasks. Typically, the right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left hemisphere handles language. Exceptions to this rule are when a person is born or develops some sort of brain abnormality or damage. In this case, the brain often adapts so that one hemisphere takes over the job of the other one. 

Example Question #62 : Brain And Nervous System

Which of the following parts of the brain enables communication between the left and right hemispheres? 

Possible Answers:

Corpus callosum

Frontal gyrus 

Temporal lobe

Frontal lobe

Correct answer:

Corpus callosum

Explanation:

The corpus callosum is a large band of fibers that relays signals between the two hemispheres of the brain.

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