GRE Subject Test: Psychology : States of Consciousness

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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?

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Beta 13-30 hertz and alpha 8-13 hertz

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

The inability to breathe while sleeping

An excess of sleep

The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep

The ability to fall asleep at inopportune times

Disorder marked by constant sleep spindles

Correct answer:

The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

NREM3

NREM2

REM

NREM1

All of these

Correct answer:

REM

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

NREM3

None of these

REM

NREM2

NREM1

Correct answer:

NREM1

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

NREM1

None of these

REM

NREM3

NREM2

Correct answer:

NREM3

Explanation:

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

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