[Campbell Biology P.1063] The experiment included a 'surprise' protocol where subjects were t... | Practice Question

The experiment included a 'surprise' protocol where subjects were told they would wake at 9:00 AM but were actually awakened at 6:00 AM. What was the primary purpose of including this 'surprise' protocol in the experimental design?

  • A: To measure the baseline ACTH levels in subjects irrespective of their expected wake time.
  • B: To determine how ACTH secretion is influenced by a mismatch between expected and actual waking times.
  • C: To compare ACTH levels in subjects who woke up at 6:00 AM versus 9:00 AM.
  • D: To ensure subjects experienced a consistent sleep duration across all protocols.

Explanation

The main hypothesis being tested is whether an individual's expectation of waking influences ACTH secretion. By surprising subjects expecting 9:00 AM, waking at 6:00 AM , researchers could isolate the effect of the expectation-reality mismatch on ACTH levels.