Psychology Chapter 4: Consciousness

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering Chapter 4 of the Rathus Psych 7th edition textbook, focusing on consciousness, sleep, altered states, and substance use.

How is the 'cocktail party effect' related to selective attention?

The cocktail party effect refers to how selective attention makes one's senses sharp and helps an individual pick out a specific stimulus among others in the environment.

According to Freud, what is the 'preconscious' level of awareness?

The preconscious consists of thoughts and feelings that are not currently in awareness but are readily available, such as remembering what you ate for breakfast.

What is the difference between repression and suppression in consciousness?

Repression is an unconscious process that allows one to avoid feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame, whereas suppression is the conscious ejection of unwanted mental events from awareness.

What is the function of the Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the sleep-wake cycle?

The Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) stimulates the pineal gland to decrease its output of melatonin once a person is awake.

What is REM rebound?

REM rebound occurs when REM-sleep deprived people spend more time in REM sleep during subsequent sleep periods to 'catch up' on missed REM sleep.

What does the Continuity Hypothesis suggest about the content of dreams?

The Continuity Hypothesis suggests that the content of dreams tends to be consistent with the individual's previous cognitive activity.

According to the Activation-Synthesis Model, which chemical and brain structure stimulate dreaming?

Dreaming is stimulated by acetylcholine and the pons, which lead to responses that the cortex then synthesizes into dreams.

What are the common risks associated with insomnia, which affects about $30\%$ of American adults?

Insomnia increases the risk of anxiety, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer disease.

Which deep-sleep disorders are categorized alongside somnambulism (sleepwalking)?

Deep-sleep disorders include sleep terrors, bed-wetting, and sleepwalking (somnambulism).

How does Role theory explain changes in behavior during hypnosis?

Role theory suggests that changes in behavior can be successfully imitated when people are instructed to behave as though they were hypnotized.

What is the primary difference between Transcendental meditation (TM) and Mindfulness meditation (MM)?

Transcendental meditation concentrates on mantras to produce a relaxation response, while Mindfulness meditation helps focusing on the present rather than ruminating about problems.

What is the purpose of an electromyograph (EMG) in biofeedback training?

An electromyograph (EMG) is a system that monitors muscle tension to help individuals, such as athletes, learn to relax specific muscle groups to control anxiety.

How does the DSM-5 define substance use disorder?

The DSM-5 defines it in terms of behavioral, cognitive, and biological symptoms, noting changes in brain circuitry connected to impaired control over the use of the substance.

What are the specific quantitative thresholds for 'binge drinking' for males and females?

Binge drinking is defined as having $5$ or more drinks in a row for a male or $4$ or more for a female.

Why does alcohol affect women more significantly than men?

Women have less aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down alcohol, than men do.

What is the difference between opiates and opioids?

Opiates are narcotics derived from the opium poppy, while opioids are similar narcotics that are produced in a laboratory.

Which stimulants are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children?

Ritalin and Adderall are amphetamines and related stimulants used to treat ADHD.

What are the potential physical dangers of using cocaine?

Physical dangers include sudden rises in blood pressure, decreased oxygen supply to the heart, increased heart rate, and respiratory or cardiovascular collapse.

What is the psychedelic substance found in marijuana?

The psychedelic substance involved in marijuana is THC.

What are 'flashbacks' in the context of LSD usage?

Flashbacks are distorted perceptions that mimic an LSD trip that occur days, weeks, or longer after usage; the experience is termed hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).