Reading: States of Consciousness

Consciousness

awareness of self, thoughts, bodily sensations, and environment

Low awareness

state where stimuli are processed without conscious attention

High awareness

effortful attention and careful decision making

Subconscious

memories and motivations not always accessible to conscious awareness

Priming

activation of certain concepts that influence thoughts and behavior

Implicit Associations Test (IAT)

reaction time test measuring automatic unconscious biases

Mindfulness

heightened awareness and deliberate evaluation of thoughts

Flexible Correction Model

ability to correct beliefs when aware of bias

Hypnosis

state of focused attention with reduced peripheral awareness and increased suggestibility

Dissociation

separation of awareness from surroundings to focus on one stimulus

Hypnotherapy

use of hypnosis to create behavioral or psychological change

Trance

state involving dissociation and reduced voluntary control

Circadian Rhythm

biological sleep-wake cycle influenced by light and schedule

Melatonin

hormone that increases sleepiness

Jet Lag

disruption of circadian rhythm after traveling across time zones

Beta waves

high-frequency, low-intensity brain waves during alert wakefulness

Alpha waves

more relaxed, consistent brain waves as u relax before sleep

NREM 1

falling asleep stage marked by theta waves

NREM 2

light sleep with sleep spindles; about 55% of sleep

NREM 3

deep sleep with delta waves and muscle relaxation

REM sleep

stage with rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming

Dreams

mental experiences occurring during sleep, especially vivid in REM

Hallucinogens

drugs that alter perception and create hallucinations

Depressants

drugs that slow physiological and mental processes

Stimulants

drugs that speed up physiological and mental processes

THC

active ingredient in marijuana producing perceptual distortions

Alcohol

depressant that reduces inhibition and impairs coordination

GABA

neurotransmitter increased by alcohol → IPSP

BAC

blood alcohol content measuring intoxication level

Opiates

narcotic depressants derived from poppy used as painkillers

Caffeine

common stimulant increasing alertness

Nicotine

stimulant found in tobacco products

Dopamine

neurotransmitter that builds up with stimulant use creating euphoria

Euphoria

intense feeling of pleasure or excitement

Low vs high awareness

low is automatic and effortless; high is controlled and effortful

Cocktail party effect

hearing personally relevant information (like your name) in noise

Suggestibility

tendency to accept suggestions during hypnosis

Psychoactive drugs

substances that alter consciousness and perception → hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants