Question 1

A researcher collects the following data set: 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, 10, 100. Which measure of central tendency would best represent the 'typical' value in this data set, and why?

Accepted Answer

Median, because it is not influenced by the extreme outlier (100).

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath in neural transmission?

Accepted Answer

It insulates the axon, speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses.

Question 3

A psychologist wants to study the effect of a new teaching method on student performance. She randomly assigns students to two groups: one receives the new method, the other receives the standard method. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The new teaching method

Question 4

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 5

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces but can still recognize voices and objects. Which brain region is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Fusiform gyrus in the temporal lobe

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the normal distribution is correct?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 68% of scores fall within one standard deviation of the mean.

Question 7

A person with damage to Broca's area would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing fluent speech

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 9

A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours of sleep and reported stress levels. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

As hours of sleep increase, stress levels tend to decrease.

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of sensory adaptation?

Accepted Answer

You stop noticing the smell of your perfume after wearing it for a while.

Question 11

Which sleep stage is characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep

Question 12

A person who suddenly falls asleep during the day, often triggered by strong emotions, is most likely experiencing which sleep disorder?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a sensory relay station for most senses

Question 14

Which theory of color vision explains why we see afterimages in complementary colors?

Accepted Answer

Opponent-process theory

Question 15

A person with sensorineural hearing loss most likely has damage to which part of the ear?

Accepted Answer

Cochlea or auditory nerve

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in an experiment testing the effect of caffeine on memory?

Accepted Answer

Participants' prior sleep quality

Question 17

Which ethical principle requires that participants be told about the purpose, procedures, risks, and their right to withdraw from a study before it begins?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Question 18

Which process describes the conversion of sensory information into neural signals that the brain can interpret?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 19

A split-brain patient is shown an object in their left visual field. Which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

They cannot verbally name the object but can draw it with their left hand.

Question 20

Which hormone is most closely associated with the regulation of circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

AP Psychology Unit 1: Foundations, Biological Bases, and Sensation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards