PSYCH111_ITP REVIEWER, MIDTERMS (1)

Consciousness

The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.

Selective Attention

The process of focusing one's consciousness on a particular stimulus while ignoring others.

Cocktail Party Effect

The ability to focus on a specific stimulus, such as a conversation, in a noisy environment.

Altered States of Consciousness

States of awareness that differ from normal waking consciousness, including sleep, meditation, and drug-induced states.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological cycles that occur approximately every 24 hours, influencing sleep-wake patterns.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

A cluster of cells in the hypothalamus that regulates circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure that controls sleep and arousal, housing the SCN.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain that communicates with the hypothalamus to regulate transitions between wakefulness and sleep.

Thalamus

A brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Pineal Gland

A gland in the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Basal Forebrain

A brain region that promotes sleep and wakefulness.

Non-REM Sleep

Stages of sleep characterized by slower brain waves and varying levels of consciousness.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage associated with vivid dreaming and emotional processing.

Functions of Sleep

The various roles sleep plays in rejuvenating the body, recovering from stress, consolidating learning, and promoting brain development.

Activation-Synthesis Model of Dreaming

A theory suggesting that dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during sleep.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder marked by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder involving temporary cessation of breathing during sleep.

Hypnosis

An altered state of consciousness where individuals are highly suggestible and may behave as if in a trance.

Meditation

A practice of focusing consciousness to alter the relationship between the self and the environment.

Biofeedback Training (BFT)

A technique that teaches individuals to control bodily functions through feedback from monitoring devices.

Psychoactive Substances

Drugs that affect mood, perception, and consciousness.

Depressants

Substances that lower the activity of the nervous system.

Stimulants

Substances that increase the activity of the nervous system.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perceptions and may cause hallucinations.

Substance Use Disorders

Conditions characterized by impaired functioning and loss of control over substance use.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing doses of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect.

Abstinence Syndrome

Withdrawal symptoms that occur when a substance is not used.

Alcohol

The most commonly abused depressant, linked to various negative social and health outcomes.