Deck 4: Human Sexual Arousal and Response

Question 1

The most accurate information regarding how the body responds during sexual stimulation has been provided by

A) Alfred Kinsey.
B) Margaret Mead.
C) Sigmund Freud.
D) William Masters and Virginia Johnson.

Answer 1

William Masters and Virginia Johnson.

Question 2

The phase of Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle in which blood flow is concentrated in the pelvic region and the body begins to show signs of arousal is called

A) excitement.
B) plateau.
C) refraction.
D) resolution.

Answer 2

excitement.

Question 3

The sequence of phases in Masters and Johnson's model of sexual response is

A) excitement, orgasm, plateau, resolution.
B) excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.
C) plateau, excitement, orgasm, resolution.
D) plateau, orgasm, excitement, resolution.

Answer 3

excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.

Question 4

Some sex scholars have suggested that an important flaw in the Masters and Johnson research on human sexual response is

A) the lack of gay males and lesbians in their original sample.
B) the unequal number of males and females in their sample.
C) their inclusion of only orgasmic subjects in their sample.
D) their over-reliance on verbal self-reports from their subjects.

Question 5

Which statement most accurately describes Helen Singer Kaplan's model of sexual response?

A) Males and females have distinct sexual response cycles, with females experiencing a lengthy plateau phase.
B) Sexual response begins with psychological desire, which then begins a physiological cycle of vasocongestion and eventually orgasmic release.
C) Sexual response is a fragile process and there may be dysfunctions at any of the stages of excitement, plateau, orgasm, or resolution.
D) While desire and vasocongestion appear to be human universals, orgasmic response is not.

Question 6

A major difference between the Kaplan model of sexual response and the Masters and Johnson model is that the former model

A) gives equal emphasis to male and female sexual patterns.
B) includes the psychological factor of desire.
C) is based on a more demographically balanced sample.
D) relies on laboratory observation rather than verbal reports.

Question 7

Kaplan's model of sexual response emphasizes

A) a neurological basis of sexual behavior.
B) gender differences in sexual response.
C) psychological factors in sexual motivation.
D) sexual responses during masturbation.

Question 8

The correct sequence of Kaplan's model of sexual response is

A) desire, vasocongestion, orgasm.
B) excitement, vasocongestion, orgasm.
C) plateau, vasocongestion, orgasm.
D) resolution, vasocongestion, orgasm.

Question 9

The key differences between between sexual desire and sexual response are

A) sexual desire refers to the psychological motivation for sex, while sexual response refers to the excitation of the body
B) sexual desire refers to a person's sexual energy, while sexual response refers to a person's attachment to their partner
C) sexual desire refers to the activation of the peripheral arousal system, while sexual response refers to activation of the central arousal system.
D) All of the above are true.

Question 10

Kaplan's model of human sexual response has been especially useful in

A) distinguishing male and female sexual response cycles.
B) determining why some individuals do not experience orgasm.
C) understanding sexual dysfunctions.
D) understanding the brain systems that underlie all sexual response.

Question 11

Frank sees a therapist because he believes his interest in sexual activity is well below that of an average male. According to the Kaplan model, Frank's problem involves which phase of the sexual response cycle?

A) Desire
B) Excitement
C) Plateau
D) Vasocongestion

Question 12

Nick sometimes experiences difficulty maintaining his erection. According to theMasters and Johnson model, Nick's sexual dysfunction involves which phase of the sexual response sycle?

A) Excitement phase.
B) Desire phase.
C) Plateau phase.
D) Vasocongestion phase .

Question 13

Jane almost always finds intercourse a painful experience because of inadequate lubrication. The Kaplan model would describe Jane's problem as involving

A) desire.
B) excitement.
C) plateau.
D) vasocongestion.

Question 14

Many women tend to reach orgasm most quickly through

A) heterosexual intercourse.
B) lesbian sexual activity.
C) masturbation.
D) oral-genital stimulation.

Question 15

During intercourse, men probably reach orgasm more quickly than women because

A) men have higher levels of sexual desire.
B) of the kind of stimulation and past learning.
C) the vasocongestion that men experience is more concentrated in the genital area.
D) their greater muscular development leads to faster orgasmic release of muscle tension.

Question 16

Studies of individual differences in sexual response suggest that

A) male orgasmic experiences are very varied.
B) there is great variability in human sexual response.
C) women consider sexual activity without orgasm rather unsatisfying.
D) women typically fake orgasm.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about male and female patterns of sexual response is NOT accurate?

A) Both vasocongestion and muscular tension are more intense among men.
B) During masturbation, females reach orgasm almost as quickly as males.
C) The male orgasmic experience appears relatively standard, but orgasm is more varied among women.
D) There are more similarities than differences in how males and females respond sexually.

Question 18

In terms of sexual arousal, the central arousal system

A) is activated by an innate human sex drive.
B) is located primarily in the emotional and pleasure centers of the brain.
C) originates in the spinal cord and various nervous system mechanisms.
D) responds more to romantic imagery than to explicit imagery.

Question 19

In terms of sexual arousal, the peripheral arousal system

A) is located in the emotional and pleasure centers of the brain.
B) picks up cues from the skin, genitals, and other sense organs.
C) responds to stimulation from our innate sex drive.
D) regulates the excitement phase but not the plateau phase.

Question 20

Amanda often thinks about others in sexual terms. She responds sexually to many of the people and events around her. Her friend, Chris, seldom thinks about sex or responds to others in sexual terms. These two individuals may be said to differ

A) in the functioning of their peripheral arousal system.
B) in the intensity of their sex drive.
C) in their orientation toward orgasm.
D) in their sexual arousability.

Question 21

People's perceptions of their sexual arousal

A) are determined by the peripheral arousal system.
B) determine their physiological responses.
C) do not always coincide with the ways their sex organs are responding.
D) mirror physiological conditions such as heart rate.

Question 22

According to most theorists, the mental process of defining a response as sexual

A) is important to sexual arousal for women but not for men.
B) is irrelevant to sexual arousal.
C) is part of sexual arousal.
D) merely delays the sexual response.

Question 23

Which of the following statements does NOT represent a traditional stereotype about gender differences in sexual arousal?

A) Men are generally less aware than women of their true levels of sexual arousal.
B) Men become more sexually aroused by pictures of sexual acts than by the romantic aspects of relationships.
C) Women are more aroused by the romantic aspects of loving relationships than by pictures of sexual acts.
D) Women become sexually aroused less often than do men.

Question 24

The general conclusion of researchers studying male and female responses to sexually oriented material (e.g. photographs or literature) is that

A) controlled processes are weaker than automatic processes among females.
B) females have been socialized not to respond positively to such materials.
C) males have learned not to respond to pornographic images.
D) the central arousal system of females is simply less responsive to visual imagery.

Question 25

In the research laboratory, groups of men and women read explicit stories while connected to vasocongestion recording devices. They are asked to report how aroused they feel while reading the stories. On the basis of previous research, what results would you expect?

A) Men and women will report equal levels of arousal.
B) Men will report higher levels of arousal than indicated by the measures of vasocongestion.
C) Women and men will report higher levels of arousal than indicated by the measures of vasocongestion.
D) Women will report lower levels of arousal than indicated by the measures of vasocongestion.

Question 26

During sexual arousal, the first noticeable changes in the female body occur

A) around the breasts.
B) at the clitoris.
C) in the vagina.
D) on the skin.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a typical physical change during the female excitement phase?

A) Lengthening and enlargement of the inner part of the vagina
B) Seepage of an alkaline fluid through the lining of the vagina
C) Swelling and elongation of the clitoris
D) Vasocongestion of the walls of the uterus

Question 28

The term sex flush refers to

A) darkening of the labia majora and minora.
B) darkening of the skin of the neck, breasts, and upper abdomen.
C) pulling up of the uterus from its usual position.
D) vaginal lubrication flowing out to the clitoris.

Question 29

The clitoris retracts under the clitoral hood during

A) excitement.
B) plateau.
C) orgasm.
D) resolution.

Question 30

During which phase of sexual response does the outer third of the vaginal wall become swollen, narrowing the vagina?

A) Desire
B) Excitement
C) Plateau
D) Orgasm

Question 31

While performing oral sex on his partner, Brad notices that her clitoris has retracted under the foreskin. This indicates that she

A) has already had an orgasm.
B) is becoming less aroused.
C) is in the plateau stage.
D) is in the resolution phase.

Question 32

The term orgasmic platform refers to the

A) expansion of the breasts and the extended erection of the nipples.
B) increased tension created by the swelling of the outer vagina and minor lips.
C) peak of flushing, muscular tension, and heart rate that occurs just before orgasm.
D) retraction of the clitoris under the clitoral hood.

Question 33

Orgasm in females is physiologically based on

A) a sudden increase of tension in the vulva.
B) increased vasocongestion of the clitoris and prepuce.
C) muscular contractions of the outer vagina and anal area.
D) rhythmical contractions of the ovaries.

Question 34

In terms of female sexual response, which of the following is NOT characteristic of the orgasmic phase?

A) A sensation of suspension of mental processes
B) A sensation of throbbing in the lower pelvic area
C) Rhythmic contractions in the vagina and anal area
D) The sudden retraction of the glans clitoris

Question 35

In females, the resolution phase is characterized by

A) ballooning of the inner third of the vagina.
B) redistribution of blood from the pelvic region.
C) retraction of the glans clitoris.
D) rising up of the uterus.

Question 36

According to recent research, multiple orgasms among women appear to depend on

A) how much love is felt for a partner.
B) the level of previous sexual experience.
C) the type of stimulation involved.
D) whether the plateau phase lasts a long time.

Question 37

Presenting single orgasms as the human norm is an example of

A) a male-centered bias.
B) a more Eastern approach to sexuality.
C) our lack of knowledge regarding ejaculation.
D) overapplication of the Masters and Johnson model of sexual response.

Question 38

Some researchers believe that the various types of orgasms reported by women may result from the

A) activity of the Bartholin's glands.
B) age of the women.
C) different nerve pathways that serve the genitals.
D) presence or absence of a G spot.

Question 39

An ongoing controversy that surrounds female orgasm is whether or not

A) females of other species experience orgasm.
B) female orgasms are more intense than those of males.
C) several types of orgasm really exist.
D) women can really experience multiple orgasms.

Question 40

During intercourse, Camille prefers really deep penetration that stimulates her cervix. Camille's resulting orgasmic experience is called

A) a uterine orgasm.
B) multiple orgasms.
C) a blended orgasm.
D) a vaginal orgasm.

Question 41

What have researchers concluded regarding the existence of a G spot?

A) Even during the initial stages of excitement, stimulation of this area of the vagina results in intense orgasm.
B) The pudendal nerves that serve the vagina cannot produce the sensation of orgasm, so no G spot exists.
C) There are nerves that connect the clitoris to the walls of the vagina, so clitoral stimulation creates the illusion of vaginal orgasm.
D) There is clear evidence that many women respond to vaginal stimulation.

Question 42

Which of the following statements best reflects current research regarding female ejaculation?

A) Any release of fluids during orgasm is clearly urine expelled by a weakened bladder.
B) It is not clear whether the liquid substance that some women expel during orgasm is urine or a semenlike secretion.
C) Skene's glands clearly produce a semenlike substance that is released only during orgasm.
D) The G spot constitutes a secretory gland during stimulation of the pelvic nerves.

Question 43

There is some evidence that regular Kegel exercise of the pubococcygeal (PC) muscle

A) can assist in locating and stimulating the Grafenberg spot.
B) decreases the likelihood of menstrual discomfort.
C) increases the likelihood of multiple orgasms among women.
D) results in greater likelihood of orgasmic satisfaction.

Question 44

To locate your pubococcygeal (PC) muscle, you should

A) examine an anatomical chart.
B) examine your genital area in a mirror.
C) look at nude photographs.
D) practice stopping and starting your urine flow.

Question 45

During the excitement phase in males,

A) a quickly disappearing sex flush is typically exhibited.
B) secretions of Cowper's glands may occur.
C) the inner diameter of the urethra decreases substantially.
D) the testes quickly descend and remain there.

Question 46

Which of the following does NOT occur during the plateau phase of sexual arousal in men?

A) Elevation in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
B) Increased muscular tension and involuntary body movements
C) Shrinking of the testes
D) Swelling and darkening of the glans penis

Question 47

During intercourse, Rick typically reaches a point when he feels he cannot keep orgasm from occurring. This point is called

A) ejaculatory inevitability.
B) ejaculatory refraction.
C) pubococcygeal ejaculation.
D) retrograde ejaculation.

Question 48

Among men, orgasm can occur without ejaculation probably because

A) both the penis and the anal area contract during orgasm.
B) pelvic thrusting may interfere with the expulsion of semen.
C) the testes are at their maximum elevation during orgasm.
D) two different nerve pathways serve the glans and the base of the penis.

Question 49

The term "refractory period" refers to the

A) period of time during which men cannot be re-stimulated to ejaculation.
B) relaxation and drowsiness that follow orgasm in men and often lead to sleep.
C) result of resisting ejaculatory inevitability.
D) urethra's returning to its normal diameter.

Question 50

Tom masturbates to orgasm. He is able to do so again within 15 minutes. Which of the following is probably true of Tom?

A) He does not experience ejaculatory inevitability.
B) He is a teenager.
C) He is taking drugs.
D) He makes use of pornography.

Question 51

Can men have multiple orgasms?

A) No, the physiological processes involved in male orgasm and ejaculation make this impossible.
B) No, these are myths supported by pornography.
C) Yes, a small number can avoid ejaculating and thus have repeated orgasms.
D) Yes, if they are truly motivated to please their partners.

Question 52

Recent research indicates that deficiencies of androgens in women

A) are associated with a lack of interest in sex.
B) are associated with abnormally high levels of sexual desire.
C) are irrelevant to their sexual behavior.
D) have the same effects as deficiencies of estrogen.

Question 53

Usually, as women age, their physiological responses to sexual arousal

A) are moderated.
B) are unchanged, but sexual pleasure declines dramatically.
C) cease.
D) occur more quickly, but they are short-lived.

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT associated with increasing age among women?

A) Decrease in orgasmic ability among women who are not very active sexually
B) Possible loss of the capacity for multiple orgasms
C) Possible uterine cramping during and after orgasm
D) Reduced lubrication that may lead to burning or itching after intercourse

Question 55

Among women, the key factor in the relationship between aging and sexual vitality appears to be

A) how many children were birthed.
B) The availability of sex partners and how sexually active they remain as they age
C) testosterone levels during adulthood.
D) their religious attitudes.

Question 56

An important factor in the sexual response of aging men is

A) their fear of erectile failure.
B) their increased ability to have orgasm without ejaculation.
C) the increasing sexual demands of their female partners.
D) their lowered levels of testosterone.

Question 57

How does the phrase "use it or lose it" apply to the relationship between aging and sexuality?

A) Aging individuals envy younger people and their greater sexual responsiveness.
B) Little sexual responsiveness and interest are lost over the lifespan.
C) The loss of sexual responsiveness over the years often results in inappropriate or even dangerous sexual behavior among the aging.
D) Those who remain sexually active appear to retain their sexual capacity and responsiveness.

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT a predictable change in the sexual response of aging males?

A) Greater difficulty in regaining erection after partial loss
B) Lengthening of the refractory period
C) Longer time required to reach orgasm
D) Quicker orgasmic response

Question 59

The phase of Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle in which a stable state of arousal is maintained is the _____________________ phase.

Question 60

The phase of Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to slightly less than a minute is called the _____________________ phase.

Question 61

The phase of Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle in which respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure return to unexcited levels is the _____________________ phase.

Question 62

In females, the plateau phase is characterized by retraction of the _____________________.

Question 63

In Kaplan's three-phase model, the _____________________ phase represents a psychological component that can lead to physical response.

Question 64

The orgasmic platform forms in the _____________________ phase.

Question 65

During the excitement phase, vaginal secretions function as a(n) _____________________ for sexual activity.

Question 66

A mass of spongy tissue in the anterior vagina that swells during sexual arousal has been called the _____________________.

Question 67

It has been hypothesized that _____________________ glands may secrete a semenlike substance that can be ejaculated from the female's urethra during orgasm.

Question 68

Kegel exercises were developed to strengthen the _____________________.

Question 69

Testosterone is one of the classes of "male"hormones, produced by both males and females that are known as _____________________.

Question 70

The Masters and Johnson model offers a cyclical view of sexual responsiveness that is based on the assumption that orgasm is a built-in response programmed to repeat itself over and over during a person's lifetime.

Question 71

For many women, sexual desire requires feelings of emotional intimacy with a partner.

Question 72

There are more physiological similarities than differences in the sexual responses of men and women.

Question 73

In women, the orgasmic platform is created by the swelling of the minor lips and outer third of the vagina.

Question 74

Female orgasm consists of muscular contractions in the uterus and inner third of the vagina.

Question 75

Sexologists have consistently ignored solid scientific evidence regarding the existence of a highly sensitive area of the vagina whose stimulation brings about intense orgasms.

Question 76

Different but interacting sets of nerves are involved in male orgasm, depending on whether erection is generated by direct touching of the genitals or by psychological stimuli.

Question 77

After orgasm, most males pass through a refractory period during which ejaculation is impossible.

Question 78

Researchers are beginning to demonstrate some correlations between sexual arousal and levels of sex hormones.

Question 79

List and briefly explain the stages of Masters and Johnson's model of human sexual response.

Question 80

List and explain the phases of Helen Singer Kaplan's model of human sexual response.