AP Psychology : Individual Psychology and Behavior

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #541 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

What is the effect of light on the suprachiasmatic nucleus in terms of sleep?

Possible Answers:

It causes the release of melatonin 

It suppresses the release of melatonin 

It suppresses the release of epinephrine.

It causes the release of dopamine

It excites the pineal gland 

Correct answer:

It suppresses the release of melatonin 

Explanation:

Melatonin is a hormone known to regulate sleep and wake cycles. It is released by the pineal gland into the bloodstream when sleep is prompted.

The pineal gland is in communication with the SCN. When the SCN, a structure in the hypothalamus, senses light from the retinas, it will suppress the release of melatonin from the pineal gland. Thus, we're usually awake during the day time and asleep at night.

Example Question #542 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Which of the following is considered to be the most common sleep disorder?

Possible Answers:

Restless legs syndrome

Narcolepsy

Obstructive sleep apnea

Night terrors

Insomnia

Correct answer:

Insomnia

Explanation:

Insomnia is a disorder that is characterized by an abnormal difficulty to fall or stay asleep. There are more than three million cases in the United States each year—roughly one percent of the population—and its prevalence is most common among older individuals.

Example Question #543 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Which of the following best identifies the length of an average sleep cycle?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

From stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, stage 4, and REM sleep, the average human sleeps about 90-110 minutes in a typical cycle.

Example Question #544 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Sleep apnea is commonly associated with which of the following?

I. ADHD

II. Depression

III. Obesity

IV. Night terrors

Possible Answers:

IV only

I only

II and III

III and I

I and II

Correct answer:

II and III

Explanation:

Obesity and depression are often associated with sleep apnea. This comorbidity is not commonly observed with the other choices: night terrors and ADHD.

Example Question #16 : Consciousness

Nightmare disorder most commonly occurs in which of the following stages of sleep?

Possible Answers:

REM

Stage 1

None of these

Stage 4

Stage 3

Correct answer:

REM

Explanation:

Parasomnias are disorders that occur during sleep. There are various types of parasomniaas; however, nightmare disorder most commonly occurs during REM—rapid eye movement—sleep stage.

Example Question #545 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Stage 2 sleep most likely involves which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Memory consolidation and synaptic pruning

Slow waves on EEG readings

Transition between sleep and wakefulness

Deep sleep

Vivid dreams

Correct answer:

Memory consolidation and synaptic pruning

Explanation:

Light sleep, memory consolidation, and synaptic pruning characterize stage 2 sleep. This stage has higher-voltage sleep spindles and K-complexes. It is the transition period from light sleep (stage 1) into slightly deeper sleep (stage 3) and subdued muscle movement.

Example Question #546 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Which of the following statements is true regarding the sleep stages?

Possible Answers:

REM cycles always become progressively shorter as the night goes on.

People cycle through the different stages of sleep throughout the night.

People typically sleepwalk during REM sleep.

People begin in stage one of sleep, progress to stage five, and then experience REM sleep until they wake up.

People only experience dreams during stage three of sleep.

Correct answer:

People cycle through the different stages of sleep throughout the night.

Explanation:

People typically sleep in five stages: one, two, three, four, and REM. Sleep begins in stage one and progresses to REM. People often cycle back to stage one and then sleep through another cycle. Each cycle typically lasts between 90 and 110 minutes. People dream during REM sleep but are normally paralyzed during this stage, which becomes longer as the night goes on. It is during stage four that sleepwalking typically occurs.

Example Question #547 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Paul is participating in a sleep study. The EEG he is connected to shows delta waves while he is sleeping. Which of the following stages of sleep is Paul experiencing? 

Possible Answers:

Stage two 

Deep sleep stage

Sleep onset stage

REM stage

Correct answer:

Deep sleep stage

Explanation:

Delta waves are the slowest waves and occur during periods of deep sleep. It is also known as slow wave sleep. The answer would not be REM sleep, because it is characterized by saw-tooth waves. Sleep onset stage may be characterized by alpha (i.e. drowsy) and theta (i.e. light sleep) waves. Stage two of sleep typically shows k-complexes and sleep spindles, which are not seen with delta waves. 

Example Question #22 : Cognition And Consciousness

Which of the following is the "deepest" stage of sleep and is most commonly associated with dreams? 

Possible Answers:

Stage 2 sleep

Stage 4 sleep

REM sleep

Stage 1 sleep

Correct answer:

REM sleep

Explanation:

REM (rapid eye-movement) sleep is the fifth and final stage of sleep during which the body is in it's deepest sleep. Dreaming is most frequent, most vivid, and most memorable during REM sleep; however, other dreaming can occur during the other sleep stages. 

Example Question #548 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

Jim works in marketing for a large company. His company often requires that he travel across the U.S. and sometimes internationally across time zones. As a result, he often experiences jet lag. Which of the following is affects Jim the most?

Possible Answers:

Circadian rhythm

Dreams

REM sleep

Consciousness

Correct answer:

Circadian rhythm

Explanation:

The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour biological cycles found in humans and other species. Circadian rhythms are influential in regulating sleep, blood pressure, urine production, hormonal secretions, and other physical functions. Although each of these could be affected, the most comprehensive answer is circadian rhythm. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors