Environmental Stressors # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is considered a primary environmental stressor?

High population density
Low self-esteem
Lack of motivation
Poor social skills
Explanation - Primary environmental stressors arise directly from the environment, such as noise, crowding, or extreme temperatures.
Correct answer is: High population density

Q.2 Noise pollution mainly affects which aspect of human functioning?

Cognitive performance
Personality traits
Moral reasoning
Language development
Explanation - Excessive noise can impair concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance.
Correct answer is: Cognitive performance

Q.3 Which environmental factor is linked to increased aggression in urban areas?

Crowding
Green spaces
Low humidity
Temperature control
Explanation - High population density or crowding can increase stress and aggression due to competition for resources and lack of privacy.
Correct answer is: Crowding

Q.4 Extreme heat can act as an environmental stressor by:

Reducing blood pressure
Triggering heat-related illnesses
Improving cognitive performance
Enhancing social bonds
Explanation - Excessive heat can lead to physiological stress, dehydration, and heatstroke, impacting health and behavior.
Correct answer is: Triggering heat-related illnesses

Q.5 Environmental stressors that come from natural disasters are classified as:

Acute stressors
Chronic stressors
Psychosocial stressors
Internal stressors
Explanation - Acute stressors are sudden events like earthquakes or floods that require immediate adaptation.
Correct answer is: Acute stressors

Q.6 Which of the following is an example of a chronic environmental stressor?

Daily traffic congestion
A sudden earthquake
Winning a lottery
Seasonal festival
Explanation - Chronic stressors are persistent environmental conditions that cause ongoing stress over time.
Correct answer is: Daily traffic congestion

Q.7 Light pollution can negatively affect:

Sleep patterns
Motor skills
Long-term memory
Language acquisition
Explanation - Excess artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms, reducing sleep quality and increasing stress.
Correct answer is: Sleep patterns

Q.8 Urban heat islands are primarily caused by:

Vegetation removal and concrete surfaces
Increased rainfall
Air purification systems
Ocean currents
Explanation - Cities absorb and retain heat due to asphalt and buildings, raising local temperatures and creating stress.
Correct answer is: Vegetation removal and concrete surfaces

Q.9 Exposure to natural environments generally helps in:

Reducing environmental stress
Increasing chronic noise
Enhancing urban crowding
Raising pollution levels
Explanation - Natural settings have restorative effects, reducing stress hormones and mental fatigue.
Correct answer is: Reducing environmental stress

Q.10 Which of the following best describes an environmental stressor?

A factor in the environment that challenges coping mechanisms
An internal thought process
A personality trait
A social interaction skill
Explanation - Environmental stressors originate from the physical or social environment and challenge adaptation.
Correct answer is: A factor in the environment that challenges coping mechanisms

Q.11 Which population is most vulnerable to environmental stressors like pollution and noise?

Children and the elderly
Young adults only
Middle-aged professionals
Highly educated adults
Explanation - These groups have less physiological resilience and are more sensitive to environmental stress.
Correct answer is: Children and the elderly

Q.12 Which of the following stressors is most likely to impair cognitive functioning temporarily?

Acute noise exposure
Seasonal changes
Routine exercise
Moderate sunlight exposure
Explanation - Sudden loud noises disrupt attention and working memory temporarily.
Correct answer is: Acute noise exposure

Q.13 Which factor contributes to the perception of crowding in urban spaces?

Limited personal space and visual barriers
High-quality public services
Low population density
Abundant green spaces
Explanation - Crowding is perceived when space is limited and movement is restricted, increasing stress.
Correct answer is: Limited personal space and visual barriers

Q.14 Chronic exposure to environmental noise can lead to:

Cardiovascular problems
Enhanced creativity
Better sleep
Improved social interactions
Explanation - Long-term noise exposure increases stress hormones, leading to hypertension and other health issues.
Correct answer is: Cardiovascular problems

Q.15 Which of these is considered a psychosocial environmental stressor?

Overcrowding in apartments
Natural disasters
Air pollution
Extreme temperatures
Explanation - Psychosocial stressors are those arising from social conditions like crowding, noise, or conflict.
Correct answer is: Overcrowding in apartments

Q.16 Which of the following is a key method to study environmental stressors?

Field observation and experiments
Psychoanalysis
Dream interpretation
Historical research
Explanation - Environmental psychologists often use direct observation and controlled experiments to study stressors.
Correct answer is: Field observation and experiments

Q.17 Temperature extremes can act as environmental stressors by:

Altering metabolic rates and comfort levels
Improving long-term memory
Reducing blood pressure significantly
Increasing language skills
Explanation - Excessive heat or cold causes physiological stress, affecting health and performance.
Correct answer is: Altering metabolic rates and comfort levels

Q.18 Which environmental stressor is most likely to disrupt circadian rhythms?

Light pollution
Air pollution
Urban greenery
Noise barriers
Explanation - Artificial lighting, especially at night, disrupts natural sleep-wake cycles.
Correct answer is: Light pollution

Q.19 Which urban design feature can help mitigate stress from environmental noise?

Green buffers and vegetation
More asphalt roads
High-rise glass buildings
Concrete plazas
Explanation - Vegetation can absorb and block noise, reducing environmental stress in urban areas.
Correct answer is: Green buffers and vegetation

Q.20 Which of the following best defines crowding as an environmental stressor?

The subjective perception of having too little space
The actual number of people in an area
Noise levels in an area
Air pollution levels
Explanation - Crowding is often a perceived stressor rather than purely an objective measure of density.
Correct answer is: The subjective perception of having too little space

Q.21 Air pollution can cause stress by:

Triggering respiratory and cardiovascular issues
Increasing social interaction
Enhancing visual perception
Reducing sunlight exposure
Explanation - Poor air quality negatively impacts health, increasing physiological and psychological stress.
Correct answer is: Triggering respiratory and cardiovascular issues

Q.22 Which of the following is considered a modifiable environmental stressor?

Noise levels in offices
Earthquakes
Seasonal temperature changes
Natural disasters
Explanation - Some stressors can be reduced or mitigated through design, technology, or policy interventions.
Correct answer is: Noise levels in offices

Q.23 Which environmental stressor is particularly linked to urban residential areas?

Traffic noise
Volcanic eruptions
Forest fires in rural areas
Tidal waves
Explanation - Urban areas commonly face chronic stressors like traffic noise, air pollution, and crowding.
Correct answer is: Traffic noise

Q.24 Which of the following interventions can reduce environmental stress in schools?

Incorporating natural light and green spaces
Increasing classroom size drastically
Adding more concrete surfaces
Reducing breaks for students
Explanation - Exposure to natural light and greenery reduces stress and improves cognitive functioning among students.
Correct answer is: Incorporating natural light and green spaces