Learning objective

The influence of external factors, known as exogenous cues (zeitgebers), on biological rhythms in the sleep-wake cycle, such as light and social interactions.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Practise this topic Read the exam answer Topic hub

Exam focus

Read the explanation.
Check key terms.
Practise with linked questions.

Cambridge IGCSE PsychologySleep and dreams

Study support

Understand this objective

Quick explanation

The influence of external factors, known as exogenous cues (zeitgebers), on biological rhythms in the sleep-wake cycle, such as light and social interactions

This point belongs to Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’,, especially Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes.
You need to be able to the influence of external factors, known as exogenous cues (zeitgebers), on biological rhythms in the sleep-wake cycle, such as light and social interactions.
The key ideas to know are Define, Explain, and Justify.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DefineExplainJustify

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’,.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub

Flashcards10 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 10

Press Space to flip, arrows to move

Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted

Paper 1 structured question: Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’,

Paper 1Approaches, Issues and Debates1 marks

Description

Influence of Exogenous Cues

Exogenous cues such as light and social interactions play a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Light exposure affects melatonin levels, while social interactions can influence when individuals feel sleepy or alert.

a
Define exogenous cues
Your answer
Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.
[1]

Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

Biological rhythms are natural cycles of bodily functions governed by an internal clock, specifically including: • circadian rhythms, which are the sleep-wake cycle repeating every 24 hours • ultradian rhythms, which are cycles occurring multiple times within a 24-hour period.
Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes
Different types of sleep within the sleep cycle, focusing on their duration and features such as brain activity, muscle tension, eye movements, and dreams, including: • rapid eye movement (REM) sleep • non-rapid eye movement (nREM) sleep. Knowledge of specific stages of sleep is not required.
Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes
The nature of dreams, which encompass thoughts, feelings, images, and narratives experienced during sleep.
Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes
Methods for assessing sleep characteristics, including: • EEG (electroencephalography) • EMG (electromyography) • EOG (electrooculography) • dream reporting.
Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes
Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands and released into the bloodstream, which modify the activity of specific target cells.
Biological rhythms, natural cycles of bodily processes regulated by a person’s internal ‘clock’, outcomes

Revision hubs

Move back to a broader study route

Cambridge IGCSE Psychology resources