Psychology Unit 3 terms: States of Consciousness

consiousness

The having of perceptions, thoughts, and feelings; awareness. Many fall into the trap of equating consciousness with self-consciousness—to be conscious it is only necessary to be aware of the external world. Consciousness is a fascinating but elusive phenomenon: it is impossible to specify what it is, what it does, or why it has evolved.

Verbal Reporting

subjects presented with certain stimuli then asked to describe experiences (E.g. Necker Cube or subliminal priming techniques). Subjects are often clearly influenced by stimuli despite reporting no awareness (evidence for levels of consciousness) 

Medical Consciousness

Measured by verbal behaviors, arousal, brain activity, and purposeful movement. alert patients have shown arousal levels and behavior that do not match awareness levels (evidence for levels of consciousness)

Categories of Consciousness:Conscious

fully aware

Categories of Consciousness:Preconscious

outside awareness, but close

Categories of Consciousness:Nonconscious

inaccessible (blood flow, hormones, etc)

Categories of Consciousness:Unconscious/subconscious

feelings outside of awareness

Categories of Consciousness:Unconsciousness

not responsive

Two-Track Mind:High Road

conscious awareness

Two-Track Mind:Low Road

unconscious awareness

Repair Theory

Daily Activities deplete brain/body resources and Sleep serves as a restorative Process (Secretion of human growth hormone+Increased levels of immune cells+Increased glycogen-brain energy)

Adaptive Theory

sleep is an evolutionary process that serves two main purposes: conserves energy+ Keeps humans from exposure to nocturnal predators (top of the chain predators sleep whenever)

Consolidation of Memory

Sleep strengthens memories+Studies support that both REM and Delta sleep is associated with better recall

(Recall is better of learned tasks after naps or a night sleep, Seniors who report sleeping well also show better recall)

Circadian Clocks

Regulates physiological within a 24 hour time frame. The specific time is about 24 hours and 18 minutes.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

location and structure that regulates the circadian rhythm.part of the hypothalamus. This cell receives input from the optic nerve so it effects changes in lights.

Melatonin

hormone that the brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of the circadian rhythms

ALPHA

Relaxed & drowsy but not asleep

STAGE1

Gradual loss responsiveness

drifting thoughts, possible imagery, sense of falling

STAGE 2

Official sleep

can be woken up, but not deep sleep, slowing heart rate, slowing respiration rate, decrease in body temp

STAGE 3/4

Deep Sleep

heart rate/respiration rate at its lowest, HGH secretion, difficult to wake

REM (Rapid Eye Movement)

Occurs about 80% of the time. High physiological activity, yet still asleep (paradox), muscle paralysis, dreaming