Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. Which of the following is the best definition of sleep from a psychological perspective?
A) A state of complete unconsciousness with no brain activity
B) A periodic, natural loss of consciousness
C) A voluntary state of rest chosen by the individual
D) A temporary loss of all sensory and motor functions
Correct Answer: A periodic, natural loss of consciousness
Rationale: Sleep is defined as a periodic, natural, and reversible loss of consciousness. It
is not a complete loss of brain activity, as the brain remains active during sleep, nor is it
voluntary in the sense of being a choice to become unconscious.
2. According to the module, approximately how long does the brain keep track of sleep
debt?
A) One week
B) Two weeks
C) One month
D) Indefinitely
Correct Answer: Two weeks
Rationale: The brain keeps track of sleep debt for a period of about two weeks. This
means that a sleep deficit accumulated over this time can impact functioning until it is
fully repaid through adequate rest.
3. What is the primary effect of disrupted or inadequate sleep on memory?
A) It enhances memory consolidation
,B) It has no effect on memory
C) It impairs memory
D) It only affects short-term memory
Correct Answer: It impairs memory
Rationale: Disrupted or inadequate sleep impairs memory. Sleep plays a critical role in
memory consolidation, and a lack of quality sleep interferes with the brain's ability to
store and retrieve information effectively.
4. Which sleep disorder has the opposite effect from insomnia?
A) Sleep apnea
B) Narcolepsy
C) Night terrors
D) Sleepwalking
Correct Answer: Narcolepsy
Rationale: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness
and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, which is the opposite of
insomnia's inability to sleep. While insomnia involves difficulty staying awake,
narcolepsy involves difficulty staying awake.
5. Gabe begins to drift off to sleep and suddenly jumps up, feeling as though he is falling
down the stairs. This sensation is best explained by which term?
A) Hypnagogic sensation
B) Hypnic jerk
C) REM intrusion
D) Sleep paralysis
Correct Answer: Hypnagogic sensation
,Rationale: The sensation of falling or jumping suddenly as one drifts off to sleep is best
explained by a hypnagogic sensation. These are vivid sensory experiences that occur
during the transition from wakefulness to sleep.
6. In Freudian dream analysis, Jacob's actual dream of driving a red sports car is called
the _____ content, and the psychoanalyst's interpretation that his friend is holding him
back is called the _____ content.
A) Latent; manifest
B) Manifest; latent
C) Conscious; unconscious
D) Unconscious; conscious
Correct Answer: Manifest; latent
Rationale: In Freudian theory, the manifest content is the actual, remembered storyline
of the dream, while the latent content is the hidden, symbolic meaning. The
psychoanalyst's interpretation represents the latent content.
7. Marne has been prescribed medication to keep her awake and less likely to fall asleep
while driving. She most likely suffers from which sleep disorder?
A) Insomnia
B) Narcolepsy
C) Sleep apnea
D) Restless leg syndrome
Correct Answer: Narcolepsy
Rationale: Marne's need for medication to stay awake indicates narcolepsy, a disorder
characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep. This condition poses a
significant risk for falling asleep during activities like driving.
, 8. Shonda is a self-described "night owl." Based on research, Shonda is most likely to be:
A) Conscientious
B) Creative
C) Extraverted
D) Agreeable
Correct Answer: Creative
Rationale: Research suggests that individuals who are night owls, or "evening types,"
tend to score higher on measures of creativity. This is associated with their tendency for
divergent thinking and unconventional problem-solving.
9. Becky remembers a dream where a car was parked in front of her house and a man
with a baseball bat kept getting in and out. According to Freud, the specific dream
details Becky remembers are called the _____ content.
A) Latent
B) Manifest
C) Unconscious
D) Symbolic
Correct Answer: Manifest
Rationale: The manifest content of a dream is the literal, remembered storyline and
imagery that the dreamer experiences. Freud believed this surface level concealed the
deeper, latent meaning of the dream.
10. A researcher develops a questionnaire assessing "morningness." Based on textbook
discussion, what correlations should be found with the Big Five traits of openness and
conscientiousness?
A) Positive; positive
B) Negative; negative