AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1431 : Ap Psychology

Which part of the brain is chiefly responsible for auditory and olfactory processing?

Possible Answers:

Frontal lobe

Temporal lobe

Parietal lobe

Prefrontal lobe

Occipital lobe

Correct answer:

Temporal lobe

Explanation:

The "temporal lobe" plays an important role in organizing sensory input, auditory information, and language production. All four major lobes of the brain (temporal, parietal, frontal, and occipital) are located in the cerebral cortex.

Example Question #1432 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following parts of the brain is most heavily involved with decision making processes?

Possible Answers:

Cerebral cortex

Amygdala

Corpus callosum 

Fornix

Correct answer:

Cerebral cortex

Explanation:

The "cerebral cortex" is the large, folded exterior portion of the cerebrum that contains the different lobes of the brain. This structure is responsible for memory, perception, and consciousness—among other things. The fornix and the amygdala are part of the limbic system and do not play a large role in higher level thought. Additionally, the corpus callosum is anatomically defined simply as the connections between the two hemispheres of the brain. 

Example Question #1433 : Ap Psychology

The function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to __________.

Possible Answers:

voluntarily contract skeletal muscle 

initiate a "fight or flight" response

None of these

activate digestion

activate a "rest and digest" response

Correct answer:

activate a "rest and digest" response

Explanation:

The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is responsible for activating "rest and digest" and returning the body to equilibrium after a fight or flight response. This is opposed to the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is involved in the "fight or flight" response. They are both branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which involuntarily regulates function of internal organs.

Example Question #1434 : Ap Psychology

Which structure connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain?

Possible Answers:

Brainstem

Wernicke's area

Broca's area

Corpus callosum

Thalamus

Correct answer:

Corpus callosum

Explanation:

The corpus callosum is a band of nerve fibers that connect the brain's left and right hemispheres together. It is the largest white matter structure in the brain, and allows valuable information to be shared across brain hemispheres.

Example Question #1435 : Ap Psychology

What neurotransmitter triggers muscle contractions?

Possible Answers:

Serotonin

Dopamine

Norepinephrine

Insulin

Acetylcholine

Correct answer:

Acetylcholine

Explanation:

Acetylcholine is located at the neuromuscular junction, and it triggers muscle contraction in the body's cells. This neurotransmitter is most frequently found in neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Example Question #1436 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is a false statement about endorphins?

Possible Answers:

Endorphins are linked to pleasure centers in the body

Endorphins are linked to pain centers in the body

Endorphins act similar to opiate drugs

Endorphins are hormones

Endorphins are neurotransmitters

Correct answer:

Endorphins are hormones

Explanation:

Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitters that are closely linked to pleasure and pain centers in the body. They are not hormones; hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood and travel through the body to various organs.

Example Question #1437 : Ap Psychology

After suffering a stroke localized to the cerebellum, one would exhibit which of the following symptoms ___________________.

Possible Answers:

inability to comprehend speech

inability to form new memories

inability to regulate heart rate

inability to produce articulate speech

inability to coordinate movements and loss of balance

Correct answer:

inability to coordinate movements and loss of balance

Explanation:

The cerebellum is located near the base of the brain. Its major function is to coordinate movement and preserve balance. Damage to this area from a stroke will prevent an individual from coordinating their movements.

Example Question #271 : Biology And Sensation

What term describes the brain imaging modality that relies on magnetic fields and electrons?

Possible Answers:

CT Scan

EKG

MRI

EEG

MT Scan

Correct answer:

MRI

Explanation:

An MRI is a brain imaging modality that relies on magnetic fields. Strong magnets redirect the electrons within the body to produce an image. MRIs provide useful imaging of the soft tissue structures of the brain, and can be key in finding tumors, bleeding, and other brain abnormalities.

Example Question #1438 : Ap Psychology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsive behavior and an inability to concentrate. Medications used to help with symptoms of ADHD are described as ____________________.

Possible Answers:

Glutamate analogs

Anxiolytics

Stimulants

Anti-depressants

Antipsychotics

Correct answer:

Stimulants

Explanation:

ADHD is a common disorder of childhood that manifests as inattentive behavior and impulsive behavior. Stimulants (such as Ritalin and amphetamines) are the first line treatment for ADHD. Stimulants increase concentration and alleviate symptoms of ADHD for many patients. They work by increasing concentrations of activating neurotransmitters.

Example Question #1439 : Ap Psychology

Leptin is a hormone released by fat cells that functions to __________.

Possible Answers:

create sensations of hunger

decrease metabolism

regulate appetite

increase metabolism

create sensations of pain

Correct answer:

regulate appetite

Explanation:

Also known as the "starvation hormone", leptin signals the hypothalamus that the body has enough fat stored to function normally. When leptin levels are high enough, appetite is inhibited. When leptin levels are low, it indicates that we need to consume more food and appetite increases.

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