Psychological Health & Wellbeing SACE Stage 2 Psychology

PRACTICE TEST/QUESTIONS
Name:

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Describe 2 features of the sleep that is illustrated by the shaded region on the graph.

Feature 1

Feature 2

(4 marks)
 Research has shown that much is happening in our brains and bodies during sleep.

Describe what happens in the brain and body during Stage 2 of sleep.

(4 marks)

Describe two differences between REM sleep and stage 1 sleep.

(4 marks)

1. Daily routines and environmental factors eg airline travel across time zones, shifting rosters at work or
longer periods of darkness during the winter months can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle.

Choose one of the above examples and describe how the sleep/wake cycle is disrupted.

(4 marks)
 In Australia 20 – 30 % of serious motor vehicle accidents are caused by fatigue.
(a) Explain how 2 common symptoms of fatigue can lower driver performance.

(4 marks)

Describe one common sleep disorder

(4 marks)

Learning to manage stress effectively has been described as an important part of personal growth.

Describe some of the long term effects of heightened arousal on different individuals with
reference to the General Adaptation Syndrome. (4 marks)

(4 marks)
Describe two coping strategies that people could use to improve their ability to manage stress. (4 marks)

(4 marks)

What is one ethical principle that researchers need to be aware of when using vulnerable
groups of participants stress?

(2 marks)

Describe one weaknesses of the DSM-V

(2 marks)

State one objective quantitative measure that could be used to measure sleep

(1 mark)
 EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION
Deng is a well-educated 45 year old man and a recent migrant to Australia. He is living alone in a
small country town where there are limited social and employment opportunities. He is actively
seeking work, but yet to find a job. Deng has become depressed since is arrival in Australia. He has
gained weight, has trouble sleeping and rarely exercises. Due to these factors, his confidence and
self-esteem has reduced, causing him to become more introverted and isolated from other
people.

Using the biopsychosocial model and the scenario above, describe the biological, psychological
and social symptoms/factors that are contributing to Deng’s depression. Make sure you also explain
how each of the factors may interact and influence each other.

Biopsychosocial Factors
Biological
(2 factors)

Psychological
(2 factors)

Social
(2 factors)
How to one of each of the factors above factors interact with each other? (i.e., how does one biological factor
affect a psychological factor which then affects a social factor.)