AP Psychology : Individual Psychology and Behavior

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #14 : Biology Of Sleep

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

Possible Answers:

It suppresses the release of melatonin 

It causes the release of dopamine

It excites the pineal gland 

It suppresses the release of epinephrine.

It causes the release of melatonin 

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 #15 : Biology Of Sleep

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

Possible Answers:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Restless legs syndrome

Narcolepsy

Insomnia

Night terrors

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 #16 : Biology Of Sleep

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 #17 : Biology Of Sleep

Sleep apnea is commonly associated with which of the following?

I. ADHD

II. Depression

III. Obesity

IV. Night terrors

Possible Answers:

II and III

I and II

I only

IV only

III and I

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 #18 : Biology Of Sleep

Stage 2 sleep most likely involves which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Deep sleep

Slow waves on EEG readings

Transition between sleep and wakefulness

Memory consolidation and synaptic pruning

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 #19 : Biology Of Sleep

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

Possible Answers:

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

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.

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

People typically sleepwalk during REM 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 #541 : 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:

Deep sleep stage

Sleep onset stage

REM stage

Stage two 

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 #542 : 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:

REM sleep

Dreams

Consciousness

Circadian rhythm

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. 

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