GRE Subject Test: Psychology : States of Consciousness
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : States Of Consciousness
Gina is in the middle of her workday, she is fully focused and alert to the new information she is reviewing on her computer screen. After a while, she sits back in her chair and takes a few deep breaths with her eyes closed to relax. What of the following pairs of brain waves and corresponding hertz best identifies what Gina's brain is producing while concentrating and while at rest?
Beta 4-8 hertz and alpha 13-30 hertz
Alpha 13-30 hertz and alpha 8-13 hertz
Theta 4-8 hertz and beta 13-30 hertz
None of these
Beta 13-30 hertz and alpha 8-13 hertz
Beta 13-30 hertz and alpha 8-13 hertz
Beta brainwaves function at 13-30 hertz and they are associated with being alert, active, or concentrated. On the other hand, alpha brainwaves function at 8-13 hertz and are associated with daydreaming and more relaxed states of mind. Alpha waves are responsible for the calming feeling that one experiences when they close their eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Example Question #2 : States Of Consciousness
Insomnia is best defined as which of the following?
The inability to breathe while sleeping
An excess of sleep
The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
Disorder marked by constant sleep spindles
The ability to fall asleep at inopportune times
The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
Insomnia is best defined as "the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep." It is commonly characterized by symptoms associated with having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Example Question #3 : States Of Consciousness
On a normal night, a person goes through different stages of sleep. During which stage of sleep is the largest amount acetylcholine (i.e. the "rest and digest" hormone) released?
NREM3
All of these
REM
NREM1
NREM2
REM
During REM sleep there is an increase in the amount of acetylcholine released. During all stages of NREM sleep there is minimal acetylcholine release.
Example Question #4 : States Of Consciousness
On a normal night, a person goes through different stages of sleep. During which stage of sleep does a person experience twitches, hypnic jerks and hypnagogic hallucinations?
NREM2
NREM1
NREM3
REM
None of these
NREM1
When a person is falling asleep they experience twitching, hypnic jerks and hypnagogic hallucinations. This all occurs in the first stage of sleep, NREM 1.An easy way to remember this is to think if someone wakes you up shortly after you fall asleep. You may recall a vivid hallucination but you were not yet in REM sleep, the stage of dreams.
Example Question #5 : States Of Consciousness
On a normal night, a person goes through different stages of sleep. During which stage of sleep can delta waves be seen, the slowest of all sleep waves?
None of these
NREM3
NREM1
REM
NREM2
NREM3
During stage NREM 3 there are delta waves present on EEG. These are the slowest of all sleep brain waves and signifies the deepest, most restful stage of sleep.
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
