Chapter 3 Definitions Flashcards
(22 cards)
alpha waves
the typical brainwave pattern (reasonably high frequency (but not as high as beta waves) and low amplitude (but slightly higher than beta waves)) that occurs when awake but very relaxed
amplitude
in terms of brain waves,the height of the peaks and troughs of the curved graph that represents brain wave activity
artificial environment
a place unfamiliar and contrived
beta waves
typical brainwave pattern (high frequency (fast) and low amplitude (small)) during normal waking consciousness, associated with being alert, active, anxious and paying (selective) attention
delta waves
a typical brainwave pattern (a steady pattern of low frequency (slow) and high amplitude (large)) associated with NREM deep sleep
EEG (electroencephalograph)
a device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the form of brain-waves.
EMG (electromyograph)
a device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the heart muscles
EOG (electrooculargraph)
a device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that allow the eye to move
frequency
in terms of brain waves, the number of brainwaves per second
galvanic skin response
the physiological response that indicates the electrical conductivity of the skin
K-complexes
brain wave patterns that consist of a sharp rise and fall in amplitude, lasting for about 2 seconds on the EEG. Indicative of stage 2 NREM sleep, occurring about once a minute although although can be triggered by external stimuli (such as a loud noise).
natural environment
a setting that is familiar and where the experience normally occurs.
objective measurements
physical measurements that is free of bias, such as height
physiological measurements
a observation of a measurable bodily (physical or physiological) response (such as heart rate, brainwave activity and galvanic skin response).
polysomnogram
a continuously moving chart that displays data collected simultaneously from EEG, EOG, EMG and any other devices
sawtooth waves
associated with REM sleep; a special type of theta-like brainwave pattern that resemble that blade of a saw that may be found amongst the random and fast beta-like waves, especially when there is a burst of rapid eye movement.
self-reports
statements and answers to questions made by the participants concerning their thoughts and feelings.
sleep laboratory
a place used for scientific research on sleep that usually resembles a bedroom
sleep spindles
brain wave patterns that consist of rapid bursts of high frequency, often associated with stage 2 NREM sleep but can be found in stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep.
subjective measurements
a personal evaluation that could be bias or difficult to compare with other measurements, such as reporting feelings
Theta waves
the typical brainwave pattern (medium frequency and mixed amplitude (some high, some low)) during the early stages of sleep
video monitoring
now a common method used in sleep laboratories and in the person’s own home to observe sleep. It uses infrared cameras (or cameras in a room lit with infra red light) that operate silently to allow footage to be seen and taped in the dark without disturbing the sleeping participant.
