Psychology Pt. 2 Flashcards
(33 cards)
Social Psychology
The scientific study of the feelings, thoughts, + behaviour of individuals in social situations.
Why Do We Conform?
Normative Reasons: Sensitivity to social norms; the aim is to be socially accepted + to avoid appearing diff.
Informational Social Influences: We look to others for the right answer when we are unsure.
Social Facilitation
The presence of others leads to increased arousal, in which our performance of simpler + more familiar tasks is enhanced.
Cognitive Dissonance
When ppl become aware that their attitudes are incompatible w/ their behaviour, a state of uncomfortable tension arises.
Mimetic Desire
A desire for smth as a result of seeing others desire it.
SLEEP CYCLES
- During a night’s sleep, an individual goes through 4-6 cycles that consist of 5 stages
- Each cycle lasts 90-110 mins
Stages of Sleep: NREM-1
Falling Asleep
- Heart rate, eye movement, breathing, + brain waves slow down
- Muscle relaxation
- Hypnic jerks (sudden muscle contractions or twitches
Stages of Sleep: NREM-2
Light Sleep
- Cont. of stage 1
- Brief bursts of activity
- Decrease in body temp
- Less awareness of external stimuli
Stages of Sleep: NREM-3
Deep Sleep
- Cont. of stage 1+2
- Body + brain are most relaxed
- Body repairs tissues, regenerates cells, + builds more bone & muscle
- Decrease muscle activity
- Important stage for strengthening immune system
Stages of Sleep: 4+5 REM
Rapid Eye Movement
- Increased brain activity
- Temporary muscle paralysis
- Breathing becomes more rapid + irregular
- Increase in heart rate + blood pressure
- Dreaming
Lucid Dreaming
We become aware we are dreaming + this gives us some sort of control over our dreams.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations/Sensations
Brief sensory experiences that are vivid + usually occur as we are falling asleep.
Why Do We Sleep?
- Physiological reasons
- Memory consolidation
- Reduction of environmental stimuli
Dreams - According to Freud
- Manifestation of hidden desires or morality where the ID & SUPEREGO fight
- Sexual meaning
Criticism: Dream interpretation is too subjective
Dreams - According to Carl Jung
Dreams were messages from the subconscious - represented aspects of our inner lives.
Categories of Stress
- Catastrophe
- Significant life changes
- Everyday inconveniences
How Can Stress Be Good?
Makes you alert, active = motivation; heals wounds, fight diseases.
How Can Stress Be Bad?
Higher risk of chronic disease, higher rates of body system diseases (ex. digestive problems), impact on blood pressure, heart beat; anxious mind = anxious gut.
Stress Response Type
- Behavioural (ex. eating habits)
- Physiological (ex. paranoia)
- Emotional (ex. irritability)
- Cognitive (ex. indecisiveness)
The 4 Trauma Responses
- Fight
- Freeze
- Flight
- Appease
Motivation Theories: An Evolutionary Perspective
- Was popular to think all behaviours as instincts
- Today, “instinct” means complex, unlearned behaviours that have a fixed pattern throughout a species
Motivation Theories: Drive Reduction Theory
- A psychological need, or drive, simply compels us to reduce that need
- Maintaining the body’s homeostasis (the psychological balance of its physiological systems)
- Incentives: positive or negative stimuli that either entice or repel us
Motivation Theories: Optimal Arousal
- We’re motivated to maintain a balance between stimulation + relaxation
- We’re motivated to avoid both boredom + stress
Motivation Theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Physiological Needs (food, water)
- Safety Needs (security)
- Love + Belonging (relationships) - social needs
- Esteem Needs (accomplishments)
- Self-Actualization (creative outlets)
