20/02

In an experiment, it is essential to control for extraneous variables so that

• there is a probability that the results will be obtained by chance

• a valid conclusion can be drawn about the effect of the dependent variable on the independent variable

• a valid conclusion can be drawn about the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable

• the hypothesis can be supported and the results can be generalised to the broader population

The spinal reflex is

• the brain's survival response

• a voluntary response to harmful stimuli

• an automatic response that occurs in the spinal cord

• a conscious response to external stimuli processed by the spinal cord

Upon receiving results from their exam, Sam and Kirsty eustress and distress respectively. Their bodies go through several physiological changes, such as an increase in heart rate and dilation of pupils. This best illustrates

• the objective and universal nature of the stress response, including physiological and psychological changes

• the shared physiological and biological changes that occur in individuals, irrespective of whether they experience eustress or distress

• the universal and objective psychological interpretation of a stressor to prompt a stress response

• The fight flight freeze response as the most effective stress response to an acute, immediate stressor

A strength of Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping over Selye's General Adaption Syndrome (GAS) is that

• it prescribes a uniform model for all individuals, irrespective of personal and environmental factors

• it recognises a relationship between chronic illness and long-term stress

• the model separates primary appraisal and secondary appraisal as two separate stages that do not occur simultaneously

• it was based off research on humans, rather than rats, increasing its ability to be generalised to the human population

Lara recently lost her job, and is now cannot afford to contribute to her and her partner's monthly rent. She is feeling increasingly nervous and stressed that they will be unable to pay on time. However, Lara's partner has previously lost his job whilst needing to pay rent before, and feels less stressed than Lara as he knows how to access financial aid and support.
What are the most likely primary and secondary appraisals of Lara's partner, respectively?

• Stressful and a threat, however he has adequate resources to cope

• Stressful but a challenge, however he has adequate resources to cope

• Stressful and a threat, and he does not have adequate resources to cope

• Stressful and a harm/loss, however he has adequate resources to cope

The alarm reaction stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome is usually characterised by an

• immediate release of cortisol into the bloodstream

• increase in susceptibility to illnesses such as influenza

• initial increase in blood pressure and body temperature, followed by a decrease in both

• initial decrease in blood pressure and body temperature, followed by an increase in both

Chris is currently studying for his first Psychology SAC. He uses cue cards to help memorise key terms and definitions, however when he receives his first practice SAC back he finds that he was unable to properly apply and analyse the stimulus given. He decides to start doing a few practice questions each day after school until the day of the SAC to improve his skills.
Chris' change of approach to the SAC is an example of

• secondary appraisal

• coping flexibility

• context-specific effectiveness

• reappraisal

Which of the following accurately describes an internal stressor?

• A lack of medical resources to treat a disease

• lack of caring or being valued by others

• excessive heat and noise

• rumination and low self-esteem

One limitation of Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is that the model

• fails to explain the outcome if coping resources are inadequate

• does not account for the different interpretations of events by individuals

• does not recognise that the individual and the environment both play a role in the stress response

• is unable to be researched experimentally because primary and secondary appraisals often occur simultaneously