AP Psychology Unit 2 Bellringer, Practice Test
Which of the following allows the examination of living brain tissue visually without performing surgery? A Computerized axial tomography B Stereotaxic examination C Retrograde degeneration D Biofeedback E Ablation
A Computerized axial tomography
In terms of the effect on the central nervous system, alcohol is most accurately classified as which of the following types of drug? A Depressant B Narcotic C Psychoactive D Stimulant E Hallucinogen
A Depressant
Jeff lives in the United States, and he recently flew to Spain. Even after sleeping for several hours on the flight, he still felt lethargic for a few days. If Jeff has not caught an illness, which of the following is the most likely explanation for his physical response? A His circadian rhythm has been disrupted. B His stages of sleep are out of order. C His delta waves have lost significant amplitude. D He has narcolepsy. E He is experiencing REM rebound.
A His circadian rhythm has been disrupted.
Which of the following is the best evidence that environment plays a role in intelligence? A Identical twins reared together are more similar than identical twins reared apart. B Identical twins reared apart are more similar than fraternal twins reared together. C Fraternal twins reared together are more similar than unrelated individuals reared together. D Unrelated individuals reared together are less similar than siblings reared together. E Fraternal twins are less similar than identical twins.
A Identical twins reared together are more similar than identical twins reared apart.
Which of the following is the correct sequence of the neural chain of events set in motion by an environmental stimulus? A Receptors, afferent neurons, interneurons, efferent neurons, effectors B Receptors, efferent neurons, interneurons, afferent neurons, effectors C Interneurons, effectors, receptors, afferent neurons, efferent neurons D Effectors, interneurons, receptors, afferent neurons, efferent neurons E Effectors, receptors, afferent neurons, efferent neurons, interneurons
A Receptors, afferent neurons, interneurons, efferent neurons, effectors
The drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters in the synapse during neural transmission are A SSRIs B benzodiazepines C antipsychotics D antihistamines E stimulants
A SSRIs
During the night, Alicia stops breathing repeatedly, frequently gasps for air, and snores loudly at regular intervals. Alicia is most likely suffering from which of the following conditions? A Sleep apnea B Narcolepsy C Insomnia D Night terrors E The REM rebound effect
A Sleep apnea
Sara had an argument with her coworker, Adam. That night, Sara had a dream that she was shopping at a mall and Adam was in every store in which she shopped. A psychoanalyst would say that Adam's being at the mall in her dream was an example of which of the following? A The manifest content B The latent content C Memory consolidation D Repression E A hypnagogic hallucination
A The manifest content
Which of the following occurs when a neuron is stimulated to its threshold? A The movements of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane creates an action potential. B The neuron hyperpolarizes. C Neurotransmitters are released from the dendrites. D The absolute refractory period of the neuron prevents it from responding. E The neuron's equilibrium potential is reached.
A The movements of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane creates an action potential.
Which of the following assertions is best supported by empirical evidence? A The two cerebral hemispheres are specialized to process different types of cognitive tasks. B Schools should be reformed to better teach skills that are processed in the right hemisphere. C Human brains are fully formed at birth. D Some people are right-brained, while others are left-brained. E People only use 10% of their brains.
A The two cerebral hemispheres are specialized to process different types of cognitive tasks.
Information is relayed to the spinal cord or the brain by A afferent neurons B Schwann cells C T cells D efferent neurons E neuroglia
A afferent neurons
When a person is suffering from severe pain, the type of drug that will best help alleviate that pain is A an opiate B an amphetamine C a depressant D a hallucinogen E a stimulant
A an opiate
Curare blocks action at acetylcholine synapses and causes paralysis. This drug is an example of an A antagonist B agonist C inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) D excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) E excitatory neurotransmitter
A antagonist
When excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate a single neuron, the neuron A becomes more likely to produce an action potential B becomes less likely to produce an action potential C produces a stronger action potential D produces a weaker action potential E becomes more polarized
A becomes more likely to produce an action potential
Parkinson's disease is most closely associated with A decreases in levels of dopamine B reduced availability of acetylcholine C destruction of the myelin sheath D an increase in the number of synapses E stimulation of action potentials
A decreases in levels of dopamine
A participant in a study of music perception listens to music with electrodes attached to her scalp while data are collected on the activity of her brain. This technique is called A electroencephalography (EEG) B computed tomography (CT) C positron-emission tomography (PET) D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) E functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
A electroencephalography (EEG)
Many common antidepressants ease symptoms of depression by A inhibiting serotonin reuptake, which makes serotonin more available B inhibiting serotonin reuptake, which makes serotonin less available C releasing endorphins, which makes endorphins more available D inhibiting dopamine reuptake, which makes dopamine more available E inhibiting dopamine reuptake, which makes dopamine less available
A inhibiting serotonin reuptake, which makes serotonin more available
The network of structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory is the A limbic system B pons C corpus callosum D occipital lobe E parietal lobe
A limbic system
People who have experienced severe damage to the frontal lobe of the brain seldom regain their ability to A make and carry out plans B recognize visual patterns C process auditory information D process olfactory information E integrate their multiple personalities
A make and carry out plans
The depletion of which of the following neurotransmitters is most closely associated with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? A Dopamine B Acetylcholine C Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) D Serotonin E Norepinephrine
B Acetylcholine
Which of the following correctly describes the firing of neurons? A A protoplasmic transfer of ions B A finely graded response C An all-or-none response D An osmotic process E A symbiotic function
C An all-or-none response
The area labeled X in the drawing above denotes which of the following structures? A Dendrites B Nodes of Ranvier C Axon terminals D Mitochondria E Glial cells
C Axon terminals
The next questions are based on the following. In the figure above, where do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have their initial effect? A A B B C C D D E E
C C
Caffeine and nicotine are in the same class as which of the following drugs? A Marijuana B Valium C Cocaine D Alcohol E Peyote
C Cocaine
Which chemical is most closely associated with sleep? A Cortisol B Oxytocin C Melatonin D Testosterone E Estrogen
C Melatonin
Significant damage to which of the following parts of the brain will most likely cause a person to fall into a deep coma from which the person will be unable to awaken? A Hypothalamus B Frontal lobe C Reticular formation D Amygdala E Thalamus
C Reticular formation
Which part of the brain represented above is indicated by A? A Cerebellum B Prefrontal cortex C Somatosensory cortex D Wernicke's area E Broca's area
C Somatosensory cortex
Neurotransmitters are typically stored in which of the following parts of a neuron? A The nodes of Ranvier B The myelin sheath C The terminal buttons D The soma E The axon
C The terminal buttons
Activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system results in A an increase in salivation B an increase in digestion C an increase in respiratory rate D a decrease in heart rate E a decrease in pupil dilation
C an increase in respiratory rate
The result of the evolutionary process that preserves traits that enhance the adaptation of an organism and suppresses traits that do not is called A habituation B accommodation C natural Selection D eugenics E species assimilation
C natural Selection
Of the following, an evolutionary psychologist will most likely investigate the A age of children when they speak their first words B speed of an action potential C reason why many people have an innate fear of the dark D factors that make a person feel accepted by others E features of a car that make it easier for a person to operate
C reason why many people have an innate fear of the dark
Abnormalities in calcium regulation are most likely to arise from problems with A the gonads B the thymus C the parathyroid gland D the hypothalamus E the pineal gland
C the parathyroid gland
Damage to the cerebellum would most likely result in which of the following problems? A Aphasia B Increased aggression C A loss of vision D A loss of motor coordination E A change in personality
D A loss of motor coordination
Which of the following is classified as an antagonist? A Cocaine, because it floods the brain with dopamine. B Mescaline, because it floods the brain with dopamine. C An amphetamine, because they lead to increased central nervous system activity. D A tricyclic antidepressant, because they block serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. E Prozac®, because it blocks the reuptake of serotonin.
D A tricyclic antidepressant, because they block serotonin and norepinephrine transporters.
Electrically stimulating a rat's amygdala would most likely produce which of the following? A Calmness B A coma C Memory loss D Aggression E Sleep
D Aggression
The following item refers to a snake frightening Ted. Ted is hiking along a mountain trail when he sees a large snake slithering across the path ahead of him. Which of the following brain structures is most closely associated with Ted's fear response? A Medulla B Pons C Hippocampus D Amygdala E Angular gyrus
D Amygdala
Brain damage that leaves a person capable of understanding speech but with an impaired ability to produce speech most likely indicates injury to which of the following? A The basal ganglia B Wernicke's area C The substantia nigra D Broca's area E The inferior colliculi
D Broca's area
Which letter indicates the synaptic cleft? A A B B C C D D E E
D D
Research on human mating preferences suggests that men place greater value on physical attractiveness and youthfulness, whereas women place greater value on social status and financial resources. Which of the following psychological points of view best explains this behavior? A Collectivistic B Individualistic C Psychoanalytic D Evolutionary E Humanistic
D Evolutionary
A person with a severe head injury subsequently acts irresponsibly, does not seem to be able to plan effectively, and is easy to anger. Which of the following brain areas is most likely injured? A Cerebellum B Hypothalamus C Parietal lobe D Frontal lobe E Corpus callosum
D Frontal lobe
Which of the following areas of the body has the largest number of sensory neurons? A Back B Foot C Ear D Lips E Wrist
D Lips
If an individual has lost the ability to feel pain in the left arm, there is most likely damage to what area of the brain? A Left occipital lobe B Left parietal lobe C Right frontal lobe D Right parietal lobe E Right occipital lobe
D Right parietal lobe
Which of the following neurotransmitters has been most associated with major depressive disorder? A Acetylcholine B Dopamine C Histamine D Serotonin E Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
D Serotonin
An individual with damage to Wernicke's area is most likely to have difficulty A identifying an object held in the hand but not seen B planning what to wear to a party C remembering the name of a person in a photograph D comprehending a spoken request for information E distinguishing between red and green
D comprehending a spoken request for information
The area of the brain stem that is important in controlling breathing is the A suprachiasmatic nucleus B cerebellum C limbic system D medulla E hippocampus
D medulla
The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the neuron after it fires is called A depolarization B lateral inhibition C long-term potentiation D reuptake E synaptic transmission
D reuptake
Ben was enjoying a walk in the woods on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. As he went around a curve, he noticed a bear walking toward him. Immediately his pupils dilated, he began to perspire, and his heart accelerated. These changes are most closely related to the function of the A angular gyrus B hippocampus C parasympathetic nervous system D sympathetic nervous system E ventricular system
D sympathetic nervous system
Immediately after firing, a neuron is incapable of responding to stimulation. This condition is referred to as A the action potential B the threshold difference C specific energy of the nerve D the absolute refractory phase E depolarization
D the absolute refractory phase
The sequence of shifts in the electrical charge of a neuron is called A neural integration B refraction C synaptic transmission D the action potential E differential conduction
D the action potential
Damage to Wernicke's area is most likely to be associated with difficulty in A tasting B hearing C seeing D understanding language E moving arms and legs
D understanding language
Assume that R represents a dominant gene in rats for normal running and that r represent a recessive gene in rats for an abnormal gait called waltzing. Mating a female Rr rat with a male RR rat will produce offspring that are A 50% runners and 50% waltzers B 25% runners and 75% waltzers C 75% runners and 25% waltzers D 100% waltzers E 100% runners
E 100% runners
Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in which of the following? A An increase in pupil dilation B An increase in respiratory rate C A decrease in digestion D A decrease in salivation E A decrease in heart rate
E A decrease in heart rate
Which of the following would most likely result from an injury to the medulla? A Visual problems that make spatial judgments difficult B Receptive aphasia that makes it difficult to understand what other people are saying C Retrograde amnesia that destroys previously established memories D A problem regulating hunger E A life-threatening disruption of heartbeat and breathing
E A life-threatening disruption of heartbeat and breathing
Which scenario best exemplifies Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection? A Aaron has larger muscles than Earl because Aaron lifts weights and Earl does not. B A natural disaster wipes out all of the living creatures on a particular island. C An ape learns how to use a new tool by observing another ape use that tool. D A baby spreads out its toes in response to having its foot stroked. E A mutation in a species of lizards that allows them to better blend into their surroundings leads to greater survival and more offspring possessing this mutation in a later generation.
E A mutation in a species of lizards that allows them to better blend into their surroundings leads to greater survival and more offspring possessing this mutation in a later generation.
Researchers looking to create a drug to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease would most likely focus their efforts on which of the following neurotransmitters? A Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) B Serotonin C Norepinephrine D Dopamine E Acetylcholine
E Acetylcholine
Damage to which of the following brain structures may cause the inability to detect the emotional significance of facial expressions, especially those demonstrating fear? A Hippocampus B Thalamus C Cerebellum D Hypothalamus E Amygdala
E Amygdala
Which of the following descriptions accurately represents area 2 of the graph? A The threshold, in which signals have reached critical intensity and allow the neuron to fire B The resting potential, in which the axon contains more negative ions C Hyperpolarization, in which positive ions have exited the axon D Repolarization, in which potassium ions exit the axon E Depolarization, in which sodium ions enter the axon
E Depolarization, in which sodium ions enter the axon
A person with damage to Broca's area would most likely demonstrate which of the following symptoms? A Forgetfulness B Hearing difficulties C Difficulty controlling balance and coordination D Difficulty controlling emotions E Difficulty with speech production
E Difficulty with speech production
In the figure above, where does the neurotransmitter dopamine have its effect? A A B B C C D D E E
E E
Most glands in the human body are a part of which system? A Circulatory B Skeletal C Respiratory D Renal E Endocrine
E Endocrine
Neurotransmitters that function like the drug morphine and are involved in pain modulation include which of the following? A GABA B Norepinephrine C Dopamine D Serotonin E Endorphins
E Endorphins
After a stroke, Jeff has noticed his memory for past events remains good, but it is very difficult for him to remember new events like what movie he just watched. It is most likely that Jeff suffered damage to which part of the brain? A Hypothalamus B Cerebellum C Sensory cortex D Wernicke's area E Hippocampus
E Hippocampus
Which of the following brain structures has the strongest influence on hunger and satiety? A Hippocampus B Medulla C Occipital cortex D Corpus callosum E Hypothalamus
E Hypothalamus
After an electrode implanted in a cat's brain stimulates the cat's amygdala, the cat will most likely do which of the following? A Demonstrate maternal instincts B Begin to eat uncontrollably C Begin to purr and seek physical contact D Immediately slip into REM sleep E Immediately withdraw in fear
E Immediately withdraw in fear
The nature-nurture issue is best exemplified by which of the following questions? A Is perception accomplished by passive detection of images in the environment or by active detection of information? B Is language acquisition fairly complete by the early school years, or are most linguistic forms mastered only in adolescence? C Is gender identity most influenced by parental upbringing or by interaction with same-sexpeers? D Does development proceed through a series of stages, or is it continuous? E Is level of intelligence the result of one's environment and specific learning, or is it a result of biological maturation?
E Is level of intelligence the result of one's environment and specific learning, or is it a result of biological maturation?
Which of the following is true about the pons? A It is closely associated with judgment, higher-order cognition, and personality. B It functions as a bridge between the two hemispheres. C It is associated with hormones and the endocrine system. D It is associated with visual processing. E It is the region of the brain that is most closely associated with sleep and arousal.
E It is the region of the brain that is most closely associated with sleep and arousal.
Beth received a hemispherectomy to treat a seizure disorder when she was two years old. However, by the time she was five years old, her cognitive abilities were the same as those of a neurotypical five year old. Which of the following best explains her abilities? A Reuptake B Dual processing C Accommodation D Myelination E Neuroplasticity
E Neuroplasticity
Which of the following brain regions is indicated by the arrow? A Cerebellum B Amygdala C Hypothalamus D Hippocampus E Pons
E Pons
In the figure above, a patient has been asked to draw a slash through each circle. The pattern of responses suggests that the patient has most likely experienced damage in which of the following areas? A Left occipital lobe B Medulla C Cerebellum D Endocrine system E Right hemisphere
E Right hemisphere
The diagram above depicts the human body's A immune system B somatic nervous system C parasympathetic nervous system D sympathetic nervous system E endocrine system
E endocrine system
Stimulation of portions of the left temporal lobe of the brain during surgery will cause the patient to A see light B lose the sense of smell C jerk the left arm D extend the tongue E hear sounds
E hear sounds
The pituitary gland is controlled by the A hippocampus B medulla C amygdala D occipital lobe E hypothalamus
E hypothalamus
Brain lateralization refers to the A ability of the brain to process multisensory information B capacity of the brain to control basic motor movements C aptitude of the brain to produce speech D ability of the brain to control basic functions such as respiration and blood circulation E inclination for certain cognitive processes to be specialized to one hemisphere of the brain or the other
E inclination for certain cognitive processes to be specialized to one hemisphere of the brain or the other
Mary participates in an exercise program because she experiences an increase in energy and feelings of well-being at the end of each exercise session. The best explanation for Mary's perseverance in the program is that exercise A reduces her level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) B reduces her level of acetylcholine C reduces her level of glutamate D increases her level of teratogens E increases her level of endorphins
E increases her level of endorphins
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine are all A hormones excreted by the endocrine glands B secretions of the exocrine glands C drugs used in the therapeutic treatment of memory disorders D enzymes involved with the degradation of interneuron signals E neurotransmitters that excite or inhibit a neural signal across a synapse
E neurotransmitters that excite or inhibit a neural signal across a synapse
Joseph has blue eyes and brown hair and is tall. These characteristics are best described as A recessive genes B dominant genes C mutations D genotypic traits E phenotypic traits
E phenotypic traits
The division of the nervous system that most directly allows voluntary muscle movement is the A midbrain B forebrain C sympathetic D parasympathetic E somatic
E somatic
Areas that have a large prevalence of malaria, such as Africa, have a high frequency of children who have sickle cell anemia or are carriers of the trait. What role does the concept of natural selection play in this trend? A The climate in Africa is particularly suitable for both malaria and sickle cell anemia, and thus both are able to flourish in the region. B Being a carrier of, or having sickle cell anemia is adaptive in this region, because it protects against malaria. Subsequently, children born with sickle cell anemia are less likely to die from malaria. C People with sickle cell anemia are more prone to contracting malaria, which explains why the incidence of both is so high. D Having malaria as a child changes women's genetic makeup, making them more likely to pass on the sickle cell gene to their child. E Areas with a large prevalence of malaria often do not have adequate medical care and thus there are higher frequencies of a large number of diseases.
B Being a carrier of, or having sickle cell anemia is adaptive in this region, because it protects against malaria. Subsequently, children born with sickle cell anemia are less likely to die from malaria.
Which of the following neurotransmitters has been linked to Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia? A Acetylcholine B Dopamine C Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) D Norepinephrine E Serotonin
B Dopamine
In extreme cases, surgically severing the corpus callosum is a treatment for which of the following conditions? A Schizophrenia B Epilepsy C Narcolepsy D Obsessive-compulsive disorder E Major depressive disorder
B Epilepsy
Which of the following most accurately characterizes the role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of hunger? A It primarily responds to such environmental cues as the sight and smell of food. B It acts with the endocrine system to control hunger and satiety. C It monitors stomach contractions through the cranial nerves to determine the extent of hunger. D It is effective in triggering, but not in depressing, the sensation of hunger. E It produces a sense of satiety to counter hunger feelings that arise from stomach contractions.
B It acts with the endocrine system to control hunger and satiety.
Juana accidentally touched a hot iron. She immediately drew back her hand. Which of the following is true about the withdrawal of her hand? A It was initiated in the motor cortex. B It was initiated in the spinal cord. C It was a voluntary behavior. D It was due to instructions from the brain. E It was an operantly conditioned response.
B It was initiated in the spinal cord.
Which of the following are involved in regulating circadian rhythms? A Prefrontal cortex, occipital lobe, cerebellum B Photoreceptors, hypothalamus, pineal gland C Proprioceptors, thalamus, somatosensory cortex D Medulla, thalamus, pituitary gland E Cerebral cortex, motor cortex, adrenal glands
B Photoreceptors, hypothalamus, pineal gland
What hormone seems to be most closely linked with aggressive behavior? A Estrogen B Testosterone C Melatonin D Insulin E Leptin
B Testosterone
The part of the neuron that is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons is called A the axon B a dendrite C a neurotransmitter D the synaptic cleft E the soma
B a dendrite
A drug that has the effect of intensifying or mimicking a particular neurotransmitter can be characterized as A a hallucinogen, because it has the reverse effect of an agonist B an agonist, because it intensifies the effects of a particular neurotransmitter C an antagonist, because it intensifies the effects of a particular neurotransmitter D a reuptake inhibitor, because it increases activity of the central nervous system E a stimulant, because it increases activity of the central nervous system
B an agonist, because it intensifies the effects of a particular neurotransmitter
A polygraph machine is often called a "lie detector," although it does not detect lies. Instead, it responds to changes in A cognitive states B autonomic arousal C parasympathetic functioning D motivational level E neurotransmitter level
B autonomic arousal
Painkilling substances produced by the brain are known as A cortisols B endorphins C glucocorticoids D pheromones E hormones
B endorphins
The part of the endocrine system that is responsible for overseeing and regulating the release of hormones across the entire body is the A pancreas B hypothalamus C adrenal glands D pineal gland E thyroid
B hypothalamus
The hypothesis that intelligence is in part inherited is best supported by the fact that the IQ correlation for A pairs of twins reared together is greater than the correlation for pairs of twins reared apart B pairs of identical twins is greater than for pairs of fraternal twins C pairs of fraternal twins is greater than the correlation for other pairs of siblings D adopted children and their adoptive parents is greater than zero E adopted children and their adoptive parents is greater than the correlation for the same children and their biological
B pairs of identical twins is greater than for pairs of fraternal twins
An image projected to the left visual field of a split-brained person will be processed in the A left visual cortex B right visual cortex C right side of the left retina D left side of the right retina E sensory cortex
B right visual cortex
During neuronal firing, the part of the neuron that acts as an insulator and conductor to speed the electrical impulse as it travels down the axon is A the terminal button B the myelin sheath C a dendrite D the soma E the synaptic cleft
B the myelin sheath
The time shortly after a neuron fires is referred to as A the latent stage B the refractory period C the reticular formation D depolarization E the neurotransmitter
B the refractory period
The occipital lobe of the human brain contains the centers for A hearing B vision C olfaction D tactile sensation E taste
B vision
