AP Psychology Practice Test

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Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is meant by tolerance to a drug?

The initial reaction to a drug
The body's resistance to a drug's effects over time
A legal limit for drug consumption
The body's ability to metabolize a drug quickly

The correct answer is: The body's resistance to a drug's effects over time

Tolerance to a drug refers to the body's reduced response to a substance after repeated use, meaning that over time, a person must take a larger dose of the drug to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon occurs because the body adapts to the presence of the drug, impacting how receptors respond or how the drug is processed. This adaptation leads to a need for increased amounts of the substance to experience its effects, which can contribute to patterns of increased consumption and potential dependence. The other options do not accurately define tolerance. The initial reaction to a drug refers to the first experience of its effects rather than the body’s changing response over time. A legal limit for drug consumption does not pertain to physiological changes in response to drug use. The body’s ability to metabolize a drug quickly describes processing speed rather than the diminishing effects experienced with continued use.