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States of Consciousness Flashcards

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0
Q

Consciousness

A

The process by which the brain creates a model of internal and external experience.

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1
Q

How is consciousness related to other mental processes?

A

Consciousness can take many forms, while other mental processes occur simultaneously outside our awareness.

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2
Q

Cognitive neuroscience

A

An interdisciplinary field involving cognitive psychology, neurology, biology, computer science, linguistics, and specialists from other fields who are interested in the connection between mental process and the brain.

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3
Q

Levels of consciousness

A

Simultaneous layers of awareness of the world around us

  • conscious
  • nonconscious
  • preconscious
  • subconscious
  • unconscious
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4
Q

Conscious level

A

Information about self and environment that you are currently aware of
Focusing on these words and their meanings

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5
Q

Nonconscious level

A

Body processes controlled by the mind that we are not usually aware of
Heartbeat, respiration, digestion

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6
Q

Nonconscious processes

A

Any brain process that does not involve conscious processing, including both preconscious memories and unconscious processes.

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7
Q

Unconscious level

A

Psychoanalytic psychologists believe some events and feelings are unacceptable to our conscious mind and are repressed into the unconscious mind

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8
Q

Subconscious level

A

Information that we are not aware of but know must exist due to behavior
-Priming, mere-exposure effect

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9
Q

Tools for studying consciousness

A
  • Mental rotation tasks

- zooming in tasks

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10
Q

Preconscious memories

A

Information that is not currently in consciousness but can be recalled to consciousness voluntarily or after something calls attention to them

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11
Q

Unconscious

A

In Classic Freudian theory, a part of the mind that houses memories, desires, and feelings that would be threatening if brought to consciousness. Many modern cognitive psychologists view the unconscious in less sinister terms, merely as a collection of mental processes that operate outside of awareness– but not typically suppressing information or working at odds with consciousness.

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12
Q

What cycles occur in everyday consciousness?

A

Consciousness changes in cycles that correspond to our biological rhythms and to the patterns of stimulation in our environment.

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13
Q

Daydreaming

A

A common (and quite normal) variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from the immediate situation.

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14
Q

Circadian rhythms

A

Physiological patterns that repeat approximately every 24 hours, such as the sleep-wakefulness cycle.

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15
Q

Sleep

A

An altered state in which people become relatively unaware of external stimulation.

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16
Q

Sleep cycles

A

Typical patten of sleep

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17
Q

Sleep stages

A

Brain waves and level of awareness change as we cycle through the stages
Sleep onset, 1, 2, 3, 4, REM

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18
Q

REM sleep

A

A stage of sleep that occurs approximately every 90 minutes, marked by bursts of rapid eye movement occurring under closed eyelids. REM sleep periods are associated with dreaming.

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19
Q

Non-REM (NREM) sleep

A

The recurring periods, mainly associated with the deeper stages of sleep, when a sleeper is not showing rapid eye movements.

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20
Q

Sleep paralysis

A

A condition in which a sleeper is unable to move any of the voluntary muscles, except those controlling the eyes. Sleep paralysis normally occurs during REM sleep.

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21
Q

REM rebound

A

A condition of increased REM sleep caused by REM-sleep deprivation.

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22
Q

Sleep debt

A

A sleep deficiency caused by not getting the amount of sleep that one requires for optimal functioning.

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23
Q

Manifest content

A

The story line of a dream, taken at face value without interpretation.

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24
Activation-synthesis theory
The theory that dreams begin with random electrical activation coming from the brain stem. Dreams, then, are the brain's attempt to make sense of - to synthesize - this random activity. -biological perspective
25
Sleep disorders
Periods of disruption in the sleep pattern
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Insomnia
The most common of sleep disorders -- involving insufficient sleep, the inability to fall asleep quickly, frequent arousals, or early awakenings.
27
How much sleep do the elderly need?
6 hours | Go to bed later, wake up earlier
28
World record for staying awake
11 days
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Effects of missed sleep on body
Immune system weakens Metabolic malfunction Varied body temperature
30
Effects of missed sleep on brain
``` Moodiness Decreased cognitive performance Blurred vision Disorganized speech Hallucinations ```
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Night terrors
Deep sleep episodes that seem to produce terror, although any terrifying mental experience (such as a dream) is usually forgotten upon awakening. Night terrors occur mainly in children.
32
How much sleep do infants need?
20 hours, 50% REM
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How much sleep do children and adolescents need?
10 hours, 25-30% REM | Go to bed later, wake up later
34
How much sleep do adults need?
8 hours, 20% or less REM
35
Latent content
The symbolic meaning of objects and events in a dream. Latent content is usually an interpretation based on Freud's psychoanalytic theory or one of its variants. The latent content of a dream involving clocks might involve fear of the menstrual cycle and, hence, of one's sexuality.
36
Cataplexy
Sudden loss of muscle control
37
What other forms can consciousness take?
An altered state of consciousness occurs when some aspect of normal consciousness is modified by mental, behavioral, or chemical means.
38
Hypnosis
An induced state of awareness, usually characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention.
39
Sleep apnea
A respiratory disorder in which the person intermittently stops breathing many times while asleep
40
Dreams as Problem Solving
- dreams reflect emotional preoccupations of waking life - images in a dream are sometimes symbols for things in everyday life - no latent meaning (only manifest)
41
Mental Housekeeping Theory
- during sleep, the brain shuts out sensory input so it can process what was stored in memory during the day - dreams are brief glimpses of the brain's sorting, scanning, and searching through memories - no meaning
42
Narcolepsy
A disorder of REM sleep, involving sleep-onset REM periods and suddenly daytime REM-sleep attacks usually accompanied by cataplexy.
43
Evolutionary theory of sleep
Protective function, keeps people safe at night
44
Recuperative theory of sleep
Conserves energy, restores body tissues depleted during daily activity
45
Freud's Wish-Fulfillment Theory
- dreams are attempt to satisfy sexual/aggressive impulses we cannot satisfy while awake - two layers: manifest and latent - psychodynamic perspective
46
Psychoactive drugs
Chemicals that affect mental processes and behavior by their effects on the brain.
47
Morphine drug type
Opiate | Good analgesic
48
Meditation
A state of consciousness often induced by focusing on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions, and minimizing external stimulation. Meditation may be intended to enhance self-knowledge, well-being, and spirituality.
49
Codeine drug type
Opiate | Good analgesic
50
Methadone drug type
Opiate Doesn't produce the same rush as heroin because taken orally Substitute for heroin in drug treatment
51
Heroin drug type
Opiate | Highly addictive, but does not impair cognition
52
Psilocybin drug type
Hallucinogen | Made from mushroom
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LSD drug type
Hallucinogen | Synthetic
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Mescaline drug type
Hallucinogen | Made from cactus
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cannabis drug type
Hallucinogen Made from hemp leaves/flowers/resin ---> THC varying effect based on dose
56
Barbiturate drug type
Depressant Prescribed for sedation Easy to overdose
57
PCP drug type
Hallucinogen | Synthetic
58
Alcohol drug type
Depressant Loosens inhibitions Addiction begins with binge drinking
59
Rohypnol drug type
Depressant Date-rape Combines terribly with alcohol
60
Benzodiazepine drug type
Depressant Antianxiety drug Valium/Xanax Can be abused --> people don't because of the side effects
61
Methamphetamine drug type
Stimulant | Powerful variant of amphetamine
62
Cocaine drug type
Stimulant | Very rewarding and addictive
63
Amphetamine drug type
Stimulant "Speed" Comparable to cocaine
65
Caffeine drug type
Stimulant Tricks reward pathways Minor negative effects High dosages produce anxiety
66
MDMA (ecstasy) drug type
Stimulant Euphoria, energy to dance for hours Leads to dehydration, convulsions
67
Opiates
Highly addictive drugs, derived from opium, that can produce a profound sense of well-being and have strong pain-reliving properties
68
Nicotine drug type
Stimulant Highly addictive Kills 350,000 people a year
69
Depressants
Drugs that slow down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.
70
Hallucinogens
Drugs that create hallucinations or alter perceptions of the external environment and inner awareness.
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Tolerance
The reduced effectiveness a drug has after repeated use
72
Physical dependence
A process by which the body adjusts to, and comes to need, a drug for its everyday functioning
73
Stimulants
Drugs that arouse the central nervous system, speeding up mental and physical responses
74
Withdrawal
A pattern of uncomfortable or painful physical symptoms and cravings experienced by the user when the level of drug is decreased or the drug is eliminated.
75
Psychological dependence
A desire to obtain or use a drug, even though there is no physical dependence
76
Addiction
A condition in which a person continues to use a drug despite its adverse effects -- often despite repeated attempts to discontinue using the drug. Addiction may be based in physical or psychological dependence.
77
Parallel search
Same time
78
Serial search
One at a time
79
Attention processes
Parallel search, serial search, selective attention
80
Somnambulism
Sleepwalking | Occurs during first few hours of sleeping and in stage 4
81
Lucid dreaming
State of consciousness where you know you're dreaming | Occurs during any REM period
82
Selective attention
Stimulus capture | Goal driven
83
Dreams
The series of storylike images we experience as we sleep
84
Posthypnotic amnesia
When people report forgetting events that occurred while they were hypnotized
85
Posthypnotic suggestions
Suggestion that a hypnotized person behave in a certain way after he or she is brought out of hypnosis
86
Role theory of hypnosis
-Hypnosis is not an alternate state of consciousness -people with high hypnotic suggestibility also have richer imaginations, follow directions well, and are able to focus intensely -hypnotism = social phenomenon Where people act out the expected role
87
State theory of hypnosis
Hypnotism meets some parts of the definition for an altered state of consciousness - we change awareness - some dramatic health benefits
88
Dissociation theory of hypnosis
- division of consciousness - 1: responds to suggestions 2: retains awareness of reality
89
Agonists
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters | -fit into receptor sites and function as neurotransmitter normally would
90
Antagonists
Drugs that block neurotransmitters | -fit into receptor sites, but prevent natural receptors from using it
91
William James
Author of the first psychology textbook
92
Sigmund Freud
Dream interpretation - method to uncover repressed information in unconscious mind - protected sleep: ego protects us from material in unconscious mind
93
Ernest Hilgard
Dissociation theory of hypnosis - division of consciousness - experiment with ice water bath and lifting index finger if they could feel the pain - Hidden observer
94
Dualism
The belief that thought is a nonmaterial aspect that arises from, and is independent of, a brain. Thought gives humans free will
95
Monism
The belief that everything is the same substance | Thought is a byproduct of brain processes and stops existing when the brain dies
96
Mere-exposure effect
We prefer stimuli we have seen before over novel stimuli, even if we do not consciously remember seeing the old stimuli
97
Priming
Research participants respond more quickly and/or accurately to questions they have seen before, even if they do not remember seeing them
98
Blind sight
Some people who report being blind can nonetheless accurately describe the path of a moving object or accurately grasp objects
99
Preconscious level
Information about self and environment that you are not currently thinking about, but could be Memory recall
100
Sleep onset
Period when we are falling asleep | Stage between wakefulness and sleep
101
Stage 1 sleep
Brain produces theta waves | -waves get progressively slower and higher in amplitude
102
Stage 2 sleep
Brain produces theta waves | -sleep spindles start
103
Stage 3 & 4 sleep
Delta sleep - the slower the wave, the deeper the sleep - very difficult to wake - increases with exercise - replenishes body's chemical supplies & fortifies immune system
104
Blood-brain barrier
Brain is protected from harmful chemicals in bloodstream by thicker walls surrounding the brain's blood vessels -psychoactive drug molecules are small enough to pass through
105
Reverse tolerance
If an individual ingests hallucinogen again during the persistence time period, the new dose of the chemical is added to the lingering amount -second dose of smaller amount may cause same or greater effects

Psychology (11 decks)

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