Chapter 4: States of Consciousness

Steam of consciousness

The continuous flow of changing thoughts, feelings, sensations, and images.

Consciousness

A person’s awareness of external events and internal sensations under conditions of arousal.

Reticular activating system

A system composed of the medulla, brain stem, and thalamus that controls arousal and alertness.

Higher-level consciousness

Philip is trying to solve a math problem. He is actively working towards this goal.

Lower-level consciousness

While getting ready for the day, Bella automatically breathes, walks, and brushes her teeth.

Subconscious awarUnconsciouness thougheness

On Fin’s way to work, he can drive the route without much thought in his conscious mind.

Unconscious thought

Could refer to someone who passed out or Freud’s idea of dark, hidden thoughts.

Controlled processes

Processes that require high levels of consciousness and working actively towards a goal.

Automatic processes

Processes that require little attention and awareness.

Circadian rhythms

Biological rhythms that follow the cycle of day/night.

Suprachiasmatic nucleus

A part of the hypothalamus that allows for a synchronization of the biological rhythms and the light cycle.

Stage N1

Julie is experiencing light sleep along with muscle jerks and the transition from alpha waves to theta waves.

Stage N2

Julie begins to experience sleep spindles while continuing to emit theta waves.

Stage N3

Julie is in a deep stage of sleep and experiences delta waves.

Stage REM

Julie is woken up from this stage andrecalls that she was dreaming.

Manifest; latent

Hope is telling her psychologist about the dream she had. She describes that in her dream, she was playing with a cat. Her psychologists suggest that it means that Hope wants a cat. Hope’s description of the dream is the _____ content and her psychologist’s suggestion is the _____ content.

Cognitive theory of dreaming

A theory stating that dreams can be understood by applying the same concepts used to study the waking mind. It claims that dreams are a result of mental stimulation similar to thinking in the waking mind.

Activation-synthesis hypothesis for dreaming

A hypothesis claiming that dreams are the result of the brain trying to make sense of the sleep spindles that occur during sleep.

Sleep apnea

Trouble breathing during sleep due to a windpipe failure or a brain failure.

Narcolepsy

An over-powering urge to sleep where individuals fall straight into REM sleep.

Insomnia

Trouble sleeping, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

Tolerance

Will used to need 2 drinks to become drunk, but now he needs 4.

Addicted; physical; pyschological

Amy needs coffee or else she will have shakiness and tiredness. Amy is _____ to coffee because she has a ______ dependence and a _____ dependence.

Psychoactive drugs

Drugs that affect the nervous system.

Depressents

Drugs that slow down the nervous system. Ex: alcohol, opioids, tranquilizers, and barbiturates.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the activity of the nervous system. Ex: caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter the perception of reality. Ex: marijuana, LSD, and MDMA

Opioids

Drugs that act as agonists by increasing the effects of endorphins to reduce pain. They are highly addictive and addiction usually starts from a prescription.

Meditation

A peaceful state of mind where one is aware of their thoughts, but not consumed by them.

Carl L. Hart

An African-American psychologist who studies drugs and addiction. He has published many articles and is an advocate for drugs and addiction.