AP Psychology : Individual Psychology and Behavior

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Consciousness

Which hormone is most closely associated with sleep?

Possible Answers:

Estrogen

Testosterone

Oxytocin

Melatonin

Adrenaline

Correct answer:

Melatonin

Explanation:

Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in response to circadian rhythms and other environmental clues, like darkness. It causes drowsiness and helps induce sleep.

Example Question #4 : Consciousness

During which stage of sleep do night terrors occur?

Possible Answers:

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 1

REM Sleep

Stage 2

Correct answer:

Stage 4

Explanation:

Night terrors are characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified. Stage 4 is our deepest sleep stage, so it is difficult for those with night terrors to escape their terror by waking up (unlike nightmares).

Example Question #5 : Consciousness

Which brain waves are associated with deep sleep?

Possible Answers:

Delta waves

Beta waves

Alpha waves

Gamma waves

Iota waves

Correct answer:

Delta waves

Explanation:

Delta waves occur during deep sleep (stage 4) and are associated with dreaming. In contrast, alpha waves are relatively slow brain waves that occur during a relaxed, awake state.

Example Question #3 : Consciousness

What is the average amount of sleep adults get each night?

Possible Answers:

10 hours

7 hours

8 hours

6 hours

Correct answer:

8 hours

Explanation:

The average amount of sleep an adult gets is 8 hours. Everyone is different, however; where some adults function off of 6 hours, others need at least 9 hours or more to feel healthy and awake.

Example Question #1 : Consciousness

What functions are directly related to circadian rhythm?

Possible Answers:

Blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature

Mental functioning, hormones, and physical fitness

Heart, intestinal, and skin health

Hair and skin health, weight, and muscle restoration

Correct answer:

Blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature

Explanation:

Circadian rythm is responsible for the cycles of our blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature. It contributes to our levels of energy throughout the day and is responsible for our descension in sleepiness as night falls. 

Example Question #7 : Consciousness

What is stage 2 of the sleep cycle?

Possible Answers:

Phase 2 sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep and corresponds to deep, resorative REM sleep

Light sleep phase, during which a drop in body temperature occurs

5-10 minute phase, during which we can be easily awakened

None of these

Correct answer:

Light sleep phase, during which a drop in body temperature occurs

Explanation:

After stage 1, which lasts about 5-10 minutes, is stage 2 during which we slowly enter deep sleep. This stage is still considered light sleep, corresponds to a drop in body temperature. We can still be woken up fairly easily. Stage 3 is when we enter heavier, deep sleep.

Example Question #3 : Biology Of Sleep

Which of the following can occur during REM sleep?

Possible Answers:

Intense dreams 

Quickened heart rate

Quickened breathing

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

REM is arguably the most important stage of sleep, and it is the last stage of our sleep cycle until it repeats all over again. Due to the heightened activity in our brains, we may have more intense dreams during this period. Also during this time, our heart rate and breathing quickens, and our body restores itself.

Example Question #531 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

What is insomnia?

Possible Answers:

A sleep disorder in which the affected person may not be able to fall asleep, and keeps waking up during the night

A psychological disorder in which an underlying trauma keeps one awake at night

A psychological disorder in which the affected person cannot sleep due to paranoid or obsessive thinking

A sleep disorder in which the affected person's circadian rythm is disrupted to the point that the body does not know when it should be asleep

Correct answer:

A sleep disorder in which the affected person may not be able to fall asleep, and keeps waking up during the night

Explanation:

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which the affected person may not be able to fall asleep, and keeps waking up during the night. It affects a significant percentage of Americans, and is mostly caused by stress or some other underlying condition. It is often treated with medications or behavioral therapy.

Example Question #532 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Which of the following follows a circadian rhythm?

Possible Answers:

Eating

Drug absorption

Sleep

Dreaming

Learning

Correct answer:

Sleep

Explanation:

A circadian rhythm is any process that abides by a 24-hour rhythm. It is best known for helping to tell our bodies when they need sleep. Having a disrupted circadian rhythm is related to negative health outcomes, including various neurological and cardiological problems.

Example Question #533 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

When are hypnagogic sensations most likely to be experienced?

Possible Answers:

NREM-2

REM 

NREM-1

NREM-4

NREM-3

Correct answer:

NREM-1

Explanation:

Sleep occurs in 4 stages, NREM-1, NREM-2, NREM-3, and REM.

It's during the first stage of sleep (NREM-1) that you may experience images that resemble hallucinations. These experiences occur without a sensory stimulation and can sometimes be later incorporated into one's memories.

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