PSYC100 Levels of Consciousness (W8)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to levels of consciousness.

Consciousness

Awareness of mental events, external environment, internal sensations, internal thoughts, and self as a separate entity.

Measuring Consciousness

Measurement of consciousness using self-reports, beeper studies, brain imaging (EEG, fMRI, PET).

Function of Consciousness

Monitoring environment and thoughts, regulating thoughts and behaviors, allowing planning and problem-solving.

Mental processing without Consciousness

Mental processing that occurs without conscious control, such as well-practiced behaviors.

Attention

Focusing conscious awareness; functions include orienting to stimuli, controlling behavior, and maintaining alertness.

Selective Attention

Attention acts as a filter, focusing on some information while ignoring the irrelevant.

Divided Attention

Splitting attention between two tasks; easier if one task is automatic or tasks are in different domains.

The Unconscious

Psychodynamic (motivated) and Cognitive Psychology (automatic) views.

Circadian Rhythms

Regulation of biological processes on a 24-hour cycle, controlled by the hypothalamus and melatonin.

Beta (β) Brain Waves

Normal awake with highest frequency & lowest amplitude brain waves.

Alpha (α) Brain Waves

Relaxed, drowsy with lower frequency & higher amplitude brain waves.

Theta (θ) Brain Waves

Light sleep with lower frequency & higher amplitude brain waves.

Delta (Δ) Brain Waves

Deep sleep with the lowest frequency & highest amplitude brain waves.

Non-REM Sleep

Breathing and heart rate slows, body temperature lowers; infrequent dreams, not vivid or elaborate.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep

Frequent, vivid & elaborate dreams occur with rapid eye movement.

Insomnia

Long-term deficiency in adequate sleep time; causes emotional problems, pain, poor sleep hygiene.

Narcolepsy

Sudden onset of sleep during non-sleep hours; awake to REM sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Disruption to sleep caused by gasping for air; stop breathing during sleep.

Nightmares

Anxiety-provoking dreams

Night Terrors

Sudden awakening with autonomic arousal, usually stage 4 (don’t recall vivid dream).

Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)

Usually stages 3-4, more common in childhood.

Sleep Paralysis

Occurs during REM, ~24% of people report experiencing this.

REM Behavior Disorder

Normal REM paralysis is not present; act out dreams.

Dream Theories

Wish fulfillment, cognitive theory, activation-synthesis theory, and memory consolidation.

Meditation

Deep state of relaxation where attention is focused/controlled.

Hypnosis

Relaxed and highly suggestible state.

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that influence behavior or mental processes; able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Depressants

Decrease autonomic functioning and attention; alcohol, barbiturates, opioids.

Stimulants

Increase autonomic functioning and alertness: amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, nicotine.

Hallucinogens

LSD, PCP, magic mushrooms, cannabis

Physical Dependence

Physical withdraw occurs if drug consumption suddenly ceases.

Psychological Dependence

Drugs is relied upon emotionally/mentally.

Tolerance

Need more of the drug to get the desired effect