Question 1: Describe what happens in the body during the fight or flight response when a person perceives a threat.

Answer: When a person perceives a threat, the autonomic nervous system activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of adrenaline and cortisol. This causes physical changes such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, and a boost in energy to prepare the body to either confront or escape the threat.

Question 2: Identify two physical changes that occur in the body during the fight or flight response.

Answer: Increased heart rate and dilated pupils.

Question 3: Explain why the fight or flight response is considered a survival mechanism.

Answer: The fight or flight response prepares the body to deal with danger by increasing alertness and physical readiness, enabling a person to confront or escape threats quickly. This response enhances chances of survival in threatening situations.

Question 4: Describe a situation where someone might experience the fight or flight response in everyday life.

Answer: A person driving suddenly sees a car swerving into their lane, causing them to feel alarmed, with increased heart rate and quickened breathing as they react to avoid an accident.

Question 5: What role does adrenaline play in the fight or flight response?

Answer: Adrenaline is a hormone released during the fight or flight response that triggers physical changes such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and energy boost, preparing the body to respond to the threat.

Question 6: Explain how the autonomic nervous system is involved in the fight or flight response.

Answer: The autonomic nervous system automatically activates the sympathetic branch during stress, which triggers physical changes like increased heart rate and dilated pupils. It also later activates the parasympathetic branch to calm the body once the threat has passed.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram showing the sequence of physiological responses during the fight or flight response. Label the key stages and changes.

Answer: A sketch should include a flowchart starting with 'Perception of threat', leading to 'Activation of sympathetic nervous system', then 'Release of adrenaline', followed by physical changes such as 'Increased heart rate', 'Rapid breathing', and ending with 'Body prepares to confront or escape'.

Question 8: Why might the fight or flight response be less helpful in modern society compared to in the past?

Answer: In modern society, threats are often psychological or social rather than physical, and the fight or flight response can cause unnecessary stress or health problems if activated frequently. It is less useful for dealing with long-term stressors like exams or work deadlines.

Question 9: Describe how the fight or flight response can affect a person's behaviour during a stressful situation.

Answer: A person may become more alert, aggressive, or anxious, and may either confront the situation or try to escape it quickly. Their behaviour is driven by the physical readiness created by the response.

Question 10: Identify and explain one limitation of the fight or flight theory.

Answer: One limitation is that it does not account for individual differences; some people may respond differently to stress, such as freezing or showing no physical signs, which the theory does not explain.