AP Psychology Unit 2 Practice Test

Questions and Answers

Hormones are _ released into the .

chemical messengers; bloodstream

Neurotransmitters cross the _________ to carry information to the next neuron.

synaptic gap

Morphine elevates mood and eases pain, and is most similar to which of the following?

endorphins

Which branch of the nervous system calms a person?

parasympathetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following endocrine glands may explain unusually tall height in a 12 year old?

pituitary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to be a function of the left hemisphere?

speech Signup and view all the answers

Split brain research involves experiments on people with a severed _________.

corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

Computer enhanced X-rays used to create brain images are known as _________.

computer tomography scans Signup and view all the answers

The most noticeable difference between human brains and other mammalian brains is the size of the _________.

association areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following part of the brain is considered your 'sensory control center'?

thalamus Signup and view all the answers

After taking a psychoactive drug for many years, Carl stops taking it. Which drug was he taking?

heroin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true of alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant, because it calms neural activity and slows body function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs were the players most likely using?

amphetamines Signup and view all the answers

Which stimulant causes high energy, emotional elation, dehydration, and damage to serotonin-producing neurons?

ecstasy Signup and view all the answers

The altered state of consciousness that is most similar to an LSD hallucination is _________.

near-death experience Signup and view all the answers

Cold sweats, vomiting, convulsions, and hallucinations are all symptoms of what drug?

LSD Signup and view all the answers

Soon after taking a psychoactive drug, Larisa's breathing slowed, her pupils constricted, and her feelings of anxiety were replaced by blissful pleasure. Larisa most likely experienced the effects of _________.

heroin Signup and view all the answers

Hallucinogens are best defined as _________.

psychoactive drugs that produce strange and unusual perceptual, sensory, and cognitive experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Adopted individuals are more susceptible to alcohol dependence if one or both biological parents have a history of it. This indicates that alcohol dependence is _________.

genetically influenced Signup and view all the answers

Jason has been smoking marijuana. Which of the following best describes the effects of this psychoactive drug on Jason's behavior?

Jason will become relaxed and experience mild hallucinations, followed by memory loss. Signup and view all the answers

LSD and other powerful hallucinogens are chemically similar to, and therefore block the actions of, a subtype of the neurotransmitter serotonin. At the synapse, these drugs act as a(n) _________.

antagonist Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol consumption is LEAST likely to make people more self-conscious.

True Signup and view all the answers

When cocaine is injected or smoked, it produces a rush of euphoria that lasts 15 to 30 minutes. But the stimulant drug ________ can trigger 8 hours or so of heightened energy and euphoria.

methamphetamine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs block reuptake, leading to increased neural stimulation?

cocaine Signup and view all the answers

This drug induces a number of physiological and psychological effects, some of which include dilated blood vessels in the eye, dry mouth, time distortion, euphoric feelings, sense of relaxation, and mild muscular weakness.

marijuana Signup and view all the answers

Nightmares most frequently occur during _________.

REM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dream theories states that dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate our memories?

information processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in sleep?

It causes the pineal gland to increase the production of melatonin. Signup and view all the answers

Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, reduced muscle strength, suppression of the cells that fight common colds, and most likely which of the following?

depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a circadian rhythm?

Body temperature rises each day as morning approaches. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Hormones are chemical messengers released into the bloodstream, impacting various bodily functions.
Neurotransmitters transmit signals between neurons by crossing the synaptic gap.

Pain Relief and Mood Enhancement

Morphine mimics the action of endorphins, substances that elevate mood and alleviate pain.

Nervous System Branches

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for calming the body after stress.

Endocrine System

The pituitary gland plays a pivotal role in growth; abnormalities can lead to unusual height in children.

Brain Hemispheres and Functions

The left hemisphere specializes in speech and language processing.
Split-brain research involves studies on individuals with a severed corpus callosum, allowing insights into lateralization of brain functions.

Imaging Techniques

Computer tomography scans utilize enhanced X-rays to create detailed brain images.

Human Brain Differences

Association areas differentiate human brains from other mammals, indicating advanced cognitive functions.

Sensory Processing

The thalamus functions as the brain's sensory control center, processing incoming sensory information.

Drug Effects and Withdrawal

Heroin, when abused, leads to withdrawal symptoms characterized by physical pain due to the brain’s reduced production of endorphins.
Alcohol is classified as a depressant, calming neural activity and slowing body functions.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Amphetamines are commonly misused by athletes to enhance physical performance and endurance.

Stimulants and Their Effects

Ecstasy is a stimulant known for causing high energy, emotional highs, dehydration, and potential damage to serotonin-producing neurons.
Near-death experiences can create altered states of consciousness similar to LSD hallucinations.

Hallucinogen Effects

LSD can cause symptoms such as cold sweats, convulsions, and hallucinations; it is defined as a hallucinogen that alters perception and cognition.

Genetic Influences on Substance Abuse

Alcohol dependence shows genetic ties, as adopted individuals are more vulnerable if biological parents have a history of alcoholism.

Marijuana Effects

Smoking marijuana typically results in relaxation, mild hallucinations, and potential memory loss.

Neurotransmitter Interactions

LSD acts as an antagonist at synapses, blocking the actions of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter.

Alcohol consumption typically reduces self-consciousness rather than increasing it.

Cocaine and Methamphetamine

Cocaine and methamphetamine both lead to intense euphoria; however, meth can sustain this effect for up to eight hours.

Drug Mechanisms

Cocaine increases neural stimulation by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake.

Marijuana Physiological Effects

Marijuana can cause various physiological effects including dilated blood vessels, relaxation, and altered time perception.

Sleep and Dreams

Nightmares occur primarily during REM sleep, a crucial phase for processing dreams.

Dream Theories

The information processing theory posits that dreaming aids in sorting and consolidating daily experiences.

Sleep Regulation

The suprachiasmatic nucleus regulates sleep by signaling the pineal gland to increase melatonin production.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep can lead to several health issues including weight gain, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of depression.

Circadian Rhythms

A circadian rhythm example is the daily rise in body temperature as morning approaches, reflecting natural biological cycles.

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Description

Test your knowledge with this AP Psychology Unit 2 practice quiz. It covers essential concepts like hormones, neurotransmitters, and the functions of the nervous system. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of psychological processes.