Oxford AQA International A-level · Psychology (9685)

Psychology of sleep: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Psychology of sleep.

10 questions25 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In the study of the nature of sleep, which specific brain wave activity is most characteristic of Stage 3 NREM sleep?

Question 2

1 mark

Which of the following symptoms is a defining characteristic of cataplexy, often experienced by individuals with narcolepsy?

Question 3

1 mark

A key diagnostic feature of narcolepsy is the presence of SOREMPs. Which of the following best describes this phenomenon?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following biological rhythms lasts longer than \( 24 \) hours, such as the human menstrual cycle?

Question 5

1 mark

Research into shift work suggests that rotating shifts can be particularly disruptive. Which type of shift rotation is generally found to be less harmful to the sleep/wake cycle?

Question 6

2 marks

Identify the typical duration of one complete ultradian cycle of sleep in a healthy adult and name one specific stage of NREM sleep found within this cycle.

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Question 7

3 marks

Explain the primary difference between a circadian rhythm and an infradian rhythm, providing one example of an infradian rhythm found in humans.

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Question 8

6 marks

Analyze why REM sleep is frequently characterized as paradoxical sleep, making reference to both internal brain activity and the external state of the body.

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Question 9

4 marks

Identify and describe two distinct characteristics of Stage 2 sleep compared to REM sleep. Your answer should include reference to brain wave patterns and physiological activity.

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Question 10

5 marks

A longitudinal study observed the sleep patterns of three different age groups and recorded the average percentage of REM sleep per night as follows:
- Neonates (0-1 month): \( 50\% \)
- Adults (20-30 years): \( 25\% \)
- Elderly (70+ years): \( 15\% \)

Identify the trend shown in the data and use the restoration theory of sleep to explain why the requirement for REM sleep changes so significantly from infancy to old age.

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