AP Psychology : Methods of Altering Consciousness

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : Consciousness

Amphetamines have historically been used to treat which of the following disorders?

I. Narcolepsy

II. Depression

III. Obesity

IV. Schizophrenia

Possible Answers:

III and IV

II and III

III only

I only

I and III 

Correct answer:

I and III 

Explanation:

Amphetamines affect the neurotransmitter dopamine, which has a direct link to alertness and circadian rhythms. Amphetamines are also stimulatory; therefore, they can aid in increasing metabolism.

Example Question #1001 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following best identifies the principal effects of stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine?

Possible Answers:

Mild euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, reduced inhibitions

Elation, excitement, increased alertness, increased energy, reduced fatigue

Increased sensory awareness, euphoria, altered perceptions, hallucinations, insightful experiences

Euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, pain relief

Correct answer:

Elation, excitement, increased alertness, increased energy, reduced fatigue

Explanation:

Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines primarily raise the physiological arousal of the body and boost mood resulting in elation, excitement, increased energy and focus, and reduced fatigue. Other drugs, such as barbiturates, alcohol, and hallucinogens have different effects. 

Example Question #1002 : Ap Psychology

Substances such as morphine and heroin that produce euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, and pain relief belong to which of the following drug classes?

Possible Answers:

Stimulants

Narcotics/opiates 

Depressants

Hallucinogens

Correct answer:

Narcotics/opiates 

Explanation:

Narcotics/opiates include morphine, heroin, and pain pills such as oxycontin. Narcotics are often used for pain relief in medicine, but are also commonly abused and used recreationally for their relaxation and pain relieving effects. 

Example Question #1003 : Ap Psychology

Ted is prescribed a stimulant medication for his ADHD, which helps him stay focused and alert during the day. At first, the medication works well; however, over time, Ted notices that the medication is not working as well as it used to. He says that it feels like he is getting less of an effect even though he is taking the same amount as prescribed. Which of the following is Ted most likely experiencing? 

Possible Answers:

The placebo effect

Withdrawal

Tolerance

Psychological dependence

Correct answer:

Tolerance

Explanation:

Ted is most likely experiencing tolerance. Tolerance occurs over time when individuals take a drug regularly and their body starts to adapt to the presence of the drug. Over time, it needs more of a drug to achieve the same desired initial effect. Tolerance is a sign of physiological dependence. 

Example Question #1004 : Ap Psychology

Long term negative health outcomes of heavy alcohol use include which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Cancer

Liver disease

All of these

Stroke

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Prolonged alcohol use is associated with many negative health outcomes including accidents, liver disease, malnutrition, brain damage, neurological disorders, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, ulcers, cancer, and birth defects. 

Example Question #1004 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is considered a hallucinogenic drug?

Possible Answers:

Cocaine

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Amphetamine

Nicotine

Correct answer:

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Explanation:

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen, which means it alters the user's perception of reality and can cause psychotic symptoms. LSD use in particular can result in synesthesia, dissociation, and other hallucinogenic effects. Synesthesia is defined as experiencing one sensory experience through another sensory pathway (e.g. "seeing" music in terms of color). Contrastingly, amphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine are considered stimulants, because they speed up bodily processes. 

Example Question #1005 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following drug combinations is most likely to be fatal?

Possible Answers:

Alcohol and marijuana

Nicotine and hallucinogens

Amphetamines and antidepressants

Alcohol and benzodiazepines

Amphetamines and marijuana

Correct answer:

Alcohol and benzodiazepines

Explanation:

Alcohol and benzodiazepines can be a potentially lethal combination. Benzodiazepines are psychotropic medications commonly prescribed for anxiety. Both drugs are nervous system depressants, and they have been known to have increased effects when taken together. Another significant side effect of combining alcohol and benzodiazepines is blackouts.

Example Question #1003 : Ap Psychology

Bob has consumed a substance and he now has constricted pupils, is breathing slower, feels sense of relaxation, and is less alert. Based on his symptoms, which of the following substances has Bob most likely consumed?

Possible Answers:

Opiates

Benzodiazepines 

Marijuana

Cocaine

Alcohol

Correct answer:

Opiates

Explanation:

Consuming opiates can result in small pupils, slowed breathing, loss of alertness, dry mouth, itchy skin, nausea and vomiting. Opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine, and other prescription drugs. Consuming alcohol and benzodiazepines can result in delayed reaction time, impaired memory and judgement, and slurred speech. Consuming cocaine can cause euphoria, increased energy, and loss of appetite. Marijuana use can result in relaxation, dry mouth, increased appetite, and red eyes.

Example Question #1011 : Ap Psychology

A person that takes the same amount of a drug but experiences a diminished effect over time is experiencing...

Possible Answers:

Delirium tremens

Tolerance 

Hallucinations

Delusions

Withdrawal

Correct answer:

Tolerance 

Explanation:

Tolerance is a diminished response to a drug. It can involve less of an effect with the same amount of a drug, or needing more of a drug to have the same effect. Withdrawal is the physical and mental symptoms that can occur when a person stops using a drug. Delusions are false beliefs that contradict reality. Hallucinations are false sensory experiences, such as seeing or hearing things that are not actually there. Both delusions and hallucinations may occur in psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Delirium tremens are a symptom of alcohol withdrawal that can involve hallucinations, shaking, and severe confusion. 

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