AP® Psychology Unit 1 Review and Practice Test
Understanding the Biological Bases of Behavior is the first step in AP® Psychology. This AP Psychology Unit 1 review simplifies neurons, neurotransmitters, and brain structures so you can study confidently, review faster, and score higher on tests and progress checks.
Level Up Your Learning with This AP Psychology Unit 1 Review
AP® Psychology Unit 1 introduces you to key ideas about how the brain and nervous system shape thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Our AP Psych Unit 1 review helps you understand these concepts clearly with visuals, examples, and guided explanations. Whether you are preparing for your AP Psychology Unit 1 test or working on your Unit 1 progress check MCQ, UWorld gives you the tools to study more effectively.
Engaging Video Lessons
UWorld’s video lessons break down important Unit 1 topics such as neural communication, brain anatomy, and the endocrine system into short, easy-to-understand segments. Each lesson also walks you through common AP Psych Unit 1 graphs, diagrams, and illustrations, making the content much easier to visualize and remember.
Interactive Study Guides
UWorld’s AP Psychology Unit 1 study guide gives you clear summaries, labeled diagrams, and step-by-step explanations of biological psychology concepts. From the structure of a neuron to the functions of the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex, our study guide simplifies everything you need for your Unit 1 AP Psychology review.
AP Psychology Unit 1 Practice Test Questions to Boost Your Score
Question
,
Which of the following systems is represented in the drawing above?
| A. The peripheral nervous system | |
| B. The somatic nervous system | |
| C. The limbic system | |
| D. The reticular activating system |
Explanation
Located beneath the outermost region of the cortex are several brain structures that contribute to emotion, memory, and motivation. These structures are sometimes collectively referred to as the limbic system.
Limbic structures include the amygdala (important for fear and aggression), hypothalamus (releases hormones and coordinates many bodily processes such as hunger), thalamus (involved in sensation), and hippocampus (important for learning and memory).
Therefore, the system that is represented in the drawing above is the limbic system.
(Choice A) The peripheral nervous system contains the neurons and glial cells outside the brain and spinal cord.
(Choice B) The somatic nervous system is the division of the peripheral nervous system that includes the sensory neurons that relay information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS) and the motor neurons that relay commands from the CNS to the body.
(Choice D) The reticular activating system is part of the reticular formation, a series of neurons that span the entire brainstem and contribute to consciousness and wakefulness.
Things to remember:
Limbic system structures include the amygdala (important for fear and aggression), hypothalamus (releases hormones and coordinates many bodily processes such as hunger), thalamus (involved in sensation), and hippocampus (important for learning and memory).
Question
Which of the following argues that dreams result from the brain interpreting random activity of the pons?
| A. Activation-synthesis hypothesis | |
| B. Restoration theory | |
| C. Consolidation theory | |
| D. Drive-reduction theory |
Explanation
Consciousness is the awareness of one's self and one's environment. Dreaming is an altered state of consciousness beyond normal wakefulness.
Several theories seek to explain why people dream. The activation-synthesis hypothesis states that dreams result from the brain's attempt to make sense of the random activity of the pons during sleep. The pons is the area in the brainstem responsible for sleeping, waking, and dreaming.
Therefore, the theory that argues that dreams result from the brain interpreting random activity of the pons is the activation-synthesis hypothesis.
(Choice B) Restoration theory argues that sleep promotes growth (eg, production of new proteins) and enables the body to repair damage.
(Choice C) Consolidation theory argues that dreams reflect the process of memory consolidation because, for example, elements of daily experience can be incorporated into dreams.
(Choice D) Drive-reduction theory argues that motivation results from a disruption of homeostasis (eg, decreasing blood glucose levels), which generates a biological need; the biological need generates a drive (eg, hunger) to fulfill that need, which prompts action (eg, food-seeking behaviors) to restore homeostasis.
Things to remember:
The activation-synthesis hypothesis states that dreams result from the brain's attempt to make sense of the random activity of the pons (the brain area responsible for sleeping, waking, and dreaming) during sleep.
Question
The function of somatosensory receptors is to
| A. transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear | |
| B. relay information from photoreceptors to ganglion cells | |
| C. convert touch information into neural signals | |
| D. bind odor molecules and transmit information to the olfactory bulb |
Explanation
In the process of touch, somatosensory receptors in the skin are activated by a stimulus (eg, an insect landing on one's arm). The somatosensory receptors transduce (convert) this somatosensory information (eg, touch, pain, temperature) into neural signals. Sensory neurons relay the information to the brain for processing in the somatosensory cortex of the parietal lobe.
Therefore, the function of somatosensory receptors is to convert touch information into neural signals.
(Choice A) The ossicles are the three small bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) located in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.
(Choice B) Bipolar cells are cells in the retina that relay visual information from photoreceptors (ie, visual receptor cells) to ganglion cells.
(Choice D) Olfactory receptor neurons are the receptor cells for the sense of smell; they bind odor molecules in the nasal cavity and transmit olfactory information to the olfactory bulb.
Things to remember:
In the process of touch, somatosensory receptors in the skin are activated by a stimulus (eg, an insect landing on one's arm). The somatosensory receptors convert this somatosensory information (eg, touch, pain, temperature) into neural signals.
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UWorld’s mobile app makes it easy to review AP Psychology Unit 1 anytime you have a few minutes. You can practice questions on the bus, watch brain anatomy videos between classes, or review your AP Psych Unit 1 notes while waiting for friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main topics covered in AP Psychology Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior?
AP Psychology Unit 1 covers the Biological Bases of Behavior, which explain how the brain, nervous system, and endocrine system shape everything we think and do. This foundation is important because these ideas appear throughout the entire AP Psychology course and are tested in Unit 1 MCQs and FRQs.
The main topics in AP Psych Unit 1 include:
- Interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution: How genetics and experiences shape behavior.
- Structures and functions of nervous systems: How the CNS and PNS send and process signals.
- Neural firing and psychoactive substances: How neurons communicate and how drugs affect neurotransmitters.
- Study of the brain and its structures: How different brain regions influence thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Sleep: How sleep cycles and stages affect learning and mental health.
- Sensation: How sensory systems detect and send information to the brain.
Studying these topics with UWorld helps you connect biological concepts to real psychological behavior. With diagrams, examples, and AP Psychology Unit 1 practice questions, UWorld makes it easier to understand these ideas and apply them on your progress checks, quizzes, and the AP Psych exam.
How should I prepare for an AP Psychology Unit 1 exam?
A good way to prepare for the AP Psychology Unit 1 exam is to follow a Read, Watch, Practice approach using UWorld. Start by reading the Unit 1 study guide to review neurons, brain structures, and neurotransmitters. These explanations help you build a strong foundation in biological psychology.
After reading, watch UWorld’s AP Psychology videos. Seeing concepts like neural firing, synaptic transmission, and brain areas illustrated visually helps you remember them more easily. This is especially useful for Unit 1 progress check MCQs.
Finish by practicing with UWorld’s AP Psych Unit 1 practice questions. These questions look like real exam items and help you strengthen your understanding of biological concepts. With this method, you will feel well prepared for your AP Psychology Unit 1 test.
Are any free resources available for AP Psychology Unit 1?
There are free resources that can help you prepare for AP Psychology Unit 1. UWorld offers a free trial with a selection of AP Psych Unit 1 practice questions, sample explanations, and study guide previews. These tools help you learn the Biological Bases of Behavior and see what real AP-style questions look like.
The College Board® website includes free Unit 1 FRQs, progress check-style questions, and the official AP Psychology Course and Exam Description. These materials show how topics like neural communication and brain anatomy appear on the exam.
Khan Academy also provides free AP Psych videos that cover basic Unit 1 content. When combined with UWorld’s detailed practice questions, these resources help you prepare more effectively for your Unit 1 AP Psychology exam.
What types of questions are on the AP Psychology Unit 1 test?
The AP Psychology Unit 1 test includes multiple-choice questions, free-response questions, and new evidence- and article-based question formats. UWorld helps you prepare for all of these styles by giving you realistic AP Psychology Unit 1 practice questions that match the wording and difficulty level of the actual exam. These questions focus on biological psychology topics such as neurons, neurotransmitters, brain structures, and the nervous system.
You will see traditional multiple-choice questions, along with two newer formats: the Article Analysis Question (AAQ), which asks you to analyze a short reading and apply biological concepts to it, and the Evidence-Based Question (EBQ), which requires you to interpret data, charts, or research related to Unit 1 topics. UWorld walks you through how to approach both formats with guided explanations.
FRQs also appear on the Unit 1 test and usually require you to define biological terms or explain how brain and nervous system processes relate to behavior. Practicing these question types in UWorld helps you understand how to structure your answers, avoid mistakes, and feel more confident with the Biological Bases of Behavior on test day.
How can I improve my score on the Free-Response Questions (FRQs) for Unit 1?
To improve your FRQ score for Unit 1, begin by reviewing the Biological Bases of Behavior content in UWorld’s study guide. Understanding how neurons fire, how neurotransmitters work, and what different brain structures do will help you write stronger responses.
Next, practice explaining concepts in your own words. FRQs often ask you to define terms and apply them to scenarios. UWorld shows you how to break down these questions so you can write clear and accurate explanations.
Finally, work through UWorld’s AP Psych Unit 1 FRQ-style questions. These practice items help you learn how to structure your responses and avoid common mistakes. With consistent practice, your FRQ writing will improve, and you will feel more confident.
What is the "Biological Bases of Behavior" unit's weight on the AP Psychology exam?
The Biological Bases of Behavior unit, also known as AP Psychology Unit 1, typically makes up 15%–25% of the AP Psychology exam. UWorld prepares you for MCQs and FRQs by covering all the unit’s key topics.
Since Unit 1 introduces core biological concepts that appear throughout the course, many questions require you to understand neurons, neurotransmitters, and brain structures. UWorld’s practice questions focus on these skills and match the style of real AP Psych questions.
Because Unit 1 content appears consistently on the exam, using UWorld’s videos, study guides, and practice tests helps you build a strong foundation and perform better on later units as well.
Where can I find a good study guide for AP Psychology Unit 1?
UWorld is one of the best places to find a clear and effective AP Psychology Unit 1 study guide. The guide breaks down complex biological psychology concepts into simple explanations that help you understand how the brain and nervous system influence behavior.
The UWorld study guide includes diagrams, charts, memory tips, and examples that make topics like neurotransmission and brain anatomy easier to learn. It also complements Unit 1 progress check MCQs and FRQs with matching explanations and visuals.
If you want a study guide that feels organized, easy to read, and built specifically for AP Psychology students, UWorld is the best place to start. It gives you everything you need to prepare with confidence.
Can I find practice tests specifically for AP Psych Unit 1?
Yes, UWorld offers AP Psychology Unit 1 practice tests that focus on the Biological Bases of Behavior. These practice questions match the format and difficulty of real AP Psych questions, so you can prepare more effectively.
Each question comes with a detailed explanation that helps you understand why the correct answer works and how to avoid common mistakes. UWorld’s practice tests cover neural firing, neurotransmitters, brain structures, and other key Unit 1 topics.
Practicing with UWorld builds your confidence and helps you perform better on Unit 1 MCQs, progress checks, and FRQs. It is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your AP Psychology Unit 1 exam.
