Question 1

Which unifying theme in psychology is reflected by the observations that many approaches to meditation are rooted in Eastern religions,and that some societies use hallucinogens in religious practices

Accepted Answer

The observations that many approaches to meditation are rooted in Eastern religions and that some societies use hallucinogens in religious practices suggest that behavior is shaped by cultural heritage, which is a unifying theme in psychology. Other societies may not use these practices, indicating that behavior is not solely determined by biology or individual factors.

Question 2

Regarding controversial or stereotypical statements about the risks of marijuana use,what is the most appropriate conclusion,based on available research evidence

Accepted Answer

According to available research evidence, most of the health effects of marijuana have been exaggerated, but chronic heavy users may have modest deficits in attention and memory. It is important to note that while the cognitive deficits associated with marijuana use may not be as severe as previously thought, they still exist and can have real-world consequences. It is also important to consider that marijuana may have other potential risks and side effects, such as impaired driving ability and respiratory issues from smoking. Overall, the best conclusion based on available research evidence is that while marijuana may not be as harmful as some stereotypes suggest, it is not completely without risk.

Question 3

Which statement best describes an indirect health-related risk associated with recreational drugs

Accepted Answer

Sedatives and alcohol impair motor skills and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents such as automobile crashes, which is an indirect health-related risk. Choices B, C, and D describe direct health effects of substances on the body.

Question 4

There are multiple theories about the mechanisms and function of hypnosis,and each of these theories provides important perspectives on the topic.Which of the unifying themes of psychology is reflected in this example

Accepted Answer

The fact that there are multiple theories about hypnosis reflects the theoretical diversity within psychology, which is one of the unifying themes of the discipline.

Question 5

Which category of psychoactive drugs is NOT associated with a high risk of a lethal overdose

Accepted Answer

Hallucinogens are generally not associated with a high risk of lethal overdose compared to alcohol, sedatives, and narcotics, which can be fatal in excessive amounts.

Question 6

Psychology began with an interest in the study of consciousness,then consciousness was ignored by behaviourists,then consciousness became an interesting topic again in the 1960s.Which unifying theme in psychology reflects this pattern of study

Accepted Answer

This pattern of study reflects that psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context, as the interest in consciousness and then its dismissal and later resurgence were influenced by the cultural and historical contexts in which they occurred.

Question 7

Which neural pathway has been characterized as a "reward pathway," believed to be responsible for the reinforcing effects of most abused drugs

Accepted Answer

The mesolimbic dopamine pathway has been characterized as the "reward pathway" and is believed to be responsible for the reinforcing effects of most abused drugs. This pathway originates in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and other brain regions involved in reward and motivation. Activation of this pathway leads to the release of dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

Question 8

Which drug have researchers recently found specific receptors in the brain for

Accepted Answer

Researchers have recently found specific receptors in the brain for THC (marijuana). The receptors are called cannabinoid receptors, and they are part of the endocannabinoid system.

Question 9

What does NOT appear to be a risk of ecstasy use

Accepted Answer

Ecstasy is not considered to cause rapid physiological dependence, unlike other drugs such as opioids or benzodiazepines. However, psychological dependence can still occur.

(Note: A, C, and D are all potential risks of ecstasy use.)

Question 10

When a person must continue to take a drug to satisfy an intense mental and emotional craving,what is that state called

Accepted Answer

Psychological dependence refers to the state where a person feels a compulsive urge to continue taking a drug to fulfill their mental and emotional needs or cravings. It is characterized by the development of an emotional attachment or dependence on the drug, rather than a physical need for it. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including social, occupational, and personal problems.

Question 11

Which unifying theme in psychology is best reflected by the observations that both the setting in which a psychoactive drug is taken,and an individual's expectations influence the drug's effect

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B) People's experience of the world is highly subjective. This is because the setting and an individual's expectations, which are subjective factors, influence the drug's effect, highlighting how personal perceptions and mental states can shape experiences.

Question 12

Alex is a drug addict who is currently experiencing nausea,cramps,tremors,and pain.Which term best describes this experience

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described (nausea, cramps, tremors, and pain) are classic withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with drug addiction. Tolerance refers to the body's decreased responsiveness to a drug over time, intoxication refers to the immediate effects of a drug on the body and mind, and psychological dependence refers to the emotional and mental reliance on a drug.

Question 13

Connie was having a dream in which she met a celebrity.At one point she thought "I must be dreaming!" and from that point on she engaged in her dream and controlled it.What is this type of experience called

Accepted Answer

Lucid dreaming refers to an experience in which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and can actively engage and control the dream. It is different from latent dreaming, which refers to the content of the dream that is hidden or repressed. Night terrors and somnambulism are different types of sleep disorders, characterized by episodes of intense fear or sleepwalking, respectively.

Question 14

What term is used when a person must continue to take a drug to avoid withdrawal illness

Accepted Answer

Physical dependence is the term used to describe the state where a person must continue to take a drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms or illness. It is caused by changes in the body's physiological processes, particularly in the brain and nervous system, in response to the drug. Tolerance refers to the decreasing effectiveness of a drug over time, while codependence and psychological dependence are related to emotional and behavioral factors rather than physical ones.

Question 15

Teresa was reading a book about dream interpretation that suggested that her dreams about eating ladybugs reflected a desire to start her own business.What term would Freud use to describe this "revealed" meaning in Teresa's dream

Accepted Answer

Freud believed that dreams have both manifest content (the actual events or images that occur in the dream) and latent content (the hidden, symbolic meaning behind these events). The interpretation of Teresa's dream about eating ladybugs as reflecting a desire to start her own business would be an example of interpreting the latent content of the dream.

Question 16

Of the following,which category of psychoactive drugs has the highest risk of lethal overdose

Accepted Answer

Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and opioids, have the highest risk of lethal overdose as they can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. Cannabis, marijuana, and hallucinogens have relatively low risk of lethal overdose. Note: "cannabis" and "marijuana" are the same substance, so only one option should be listed.

Question 17

Which risk of marijuana use has been supported by empirical evidence

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence has consistently shown impairments in attention and memory as a risk of marijuana use.

Question 18

Which of the following is most likely about people who rarely remember their dreams

Accepted Answer

Dream recall is often associated with the timing of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. People who have their last REM period closer to their waking time are more likely to remember their dreams. Conversely, if the last REM period occurs a long time before awakening, it's less likely for the dreams to be remembered. Narcolepsy and lucid dreaming are not directly related to the frequency of dream recall in the general sense described in the options.

Question 19

Imagine that you are a researcher conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new treatment that is hoped will be beneficial in helping alcoholics reduce their drinking.Which of the following is most important for you to do

Accepted Answer

An operational definition of alcoholism is crucial for research as it specifies how alcoholism will be measured or identified in the study, ensuring clarity, replicability, and consistency in understanding what is being studied.

Question 20

Your friend has been sleeping six hours each night and is wondering if he is sleep-deprived.Which statement best describes your friend's sleep patterns

Accepted Answer

Sleep needs vary from person to person, and while six hours is below the recommended amount for most adults, if your friend feels rested and productive, it may be sufficient for him. There is no "typical" amount of sleep that applies to everyone, as individual needs can vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and health. It's important to pay attention to how you feel during the day to determine if you are getting enough rest, rather than relying solely on a specific number of hours.

Quiz 5: B: Variations in Consciousness