AP Psychology : Individual Psychology and Behavior

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #993 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following terms is best defined as the form of waves that are emitted by a person who is awake, unfocused, and relaxed?

Possible Answers:

Delta waves

Alpha waves

Beta waves

None of these

Theta waves

Correct answer:

Alpha waves

Explanation:

Alpha waves are a type of brain wave that occurs when a person is about to fall asleep. The person will be relaxed and unfocused but still aware of their surroundings.

Example Question #996 : Ap Psychology

Natural and synthetic depressants include which of the following?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Heroin

Prescription painkillers

Alcohol

Tranquilizers

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Alcohol, prescription painkillers, tranquilizers, heroin, and others affect the nervous system in a depressive manner. This class of drugs generally lowers neurotransmitter levels and decreases central nervous system functions.

Example Question #62 : Cognition And Consciousness

Which of the following are classified as stimulants?

Possible Answers:

Amphetamine

LSD

Morphine

Psilocybin

Alcohol

Correct answer:

Amphetamine

Explanation:

Amphetamine is an excitatory drug that affects the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Alcohol and morphine are depressants, whereas LSD and psilocybin are hallucinogens.

Example Question #61 : Cognition And Consciousness

Which of the following significantly affects both serotonin and dopamine concentrations?

Possible Answers:

Sedatives

Alcohol

Psilocybin

Tranquilizers

Cocaine

Correct answer:

Cocaine

Explanation:

Cocaine is excitatory and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Example Question #591 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

For thousands of years, cultures throughout the world have been able create natural drugs from which of the following classes?

Possible Answers:

Depressants

Hallucinogens

None of these

All of these

Stimulants

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Throughout human history, people have utilized naturally occurring substances to reach altered states of consciousness. These substances range widely among the categorizations that modern Western science has created, including stimulants (e.g. coffee), depressants (e.g. wine), and hallucinogens (e.g. certain mushrooms). Generally, drug addiction and abuse has only become a problem with the advent and manipulation of synthetic drugs, along with social changes and stresses.

Example Question #592 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

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

I and III 

III only

II and III

I only

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 #593 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

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

Possible Answers:

Euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, pain relief

Mild euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, reduced inhibitions

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

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

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 #594 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

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:

Hallucinogens

Stimulants

Depressants

Narcotics/opiates 

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 #595 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

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:

Tolerance

Withdrawal

The placebo effect

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 #73 : Cognition And Consciousness

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

Possible Answers:

All of these

Cancer

Stroke

Liver disease

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. 

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