Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating circadian rhythms by synchronizing with external light cues?

Accepted Answer

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Question 2

A person wakes up unable to move and feels a menacing presence in the room. Which sleep phenomenon are they most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Sleep paralysis

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

It is associated with vivid dreams and rapid eye movements, while the body experiences atonia.

Question 4

According to the activation-synthesis theory, dreams are:

Accepted Answer

A method for the brain to make sense of random neural activity during sleep.

Question 5

Which hormone is most closely associated with the regulation of sleep-wake cycles?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 6

A student who regularly consumes caffeine late in the day is most likely to experience which sleep problem?

Accepted Answer

Sleep displacement

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between insomnia and paradoxical insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical insomnia is characterized by the belief of being sleep deprived despite normal sleep cycles.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why shift work can negatively impact cognitive function?

Accepted Answer

Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to reduced memory and processing speed.

Question 9

Which of the following is a plausible real-world consequence of sleep deprivation, as supported by research?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of car accidents following daylight savings time changes

Question 10

A person who walks around while fully asleep but is not acting out dreams is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Somnambulism (sleepwalking)

Question 11

Which of the following drugs is classified as a depressant and is known for its ability to increase GABA activity in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Quaaludes (methaqualone)

Question 12

Which of the following statements about marijuana (THC) is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It impairs memory consolidation due to cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the balanced-placebo design in alcohol research?

Accepted Answer

It separates the effects of expectation from the actual physiological effects of alcohol.

Question 14

Which of the following is a common effect of amphetamines on the brain?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of dopamine release and changes to frontal lobe structure

Question 15

A person with narcolepsy is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of sleep directly into REM, often with cataplexy

Question 16

According to Freud, the difference between latent and manifest content in dreams is that:

Accepted Answer

Manifest content is the storyline of the dream, while latent content is the hidden, unconscious wish.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the 'REM rebound' phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

An increase in REM sleep following a period of deprivation

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why children spend more time in deep (NREM 3/4) sleep than the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Children require more growth hormone, which is produced during deep sleep.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key feature of depressant drugs?

Accepted Answer

They decrease neurotransmission and electrical activity in the brain.

Question 20

A person who experiences sudden waking episodes with screaming and confusion, but returns to deep sleep and has no memory of the event, is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Night terrors

Consciousness: Sleep, Dreams, and Psychoactive Drugs

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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