States of Consciousness

These flashcards cover key concepts related to states of consciousness, including definitions, theories of sleep, psychoactive drugs, and altered states such as hypnosis and meditation.

What is consciousness?

awareness of internal and external stimuli such as feelings of hunger and pain or detection of light.

What is wakefulness?

high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior.

What are altered states of consciousness?

a shift in level of full awareness, which can be natural or induced.

What is circadian rhythm?

biological changes that occur on a 24-hour cycle, most often set by light.

What is the Adaptation/Protection Theory of sleep?

sleep evolved to conserve energy and protect from predators.

What is the Repair/Restoration Theory of sleep?

sleep allows organisms to repair or recuperate from activities of the day.

What role does deep sleep (stage 3) play in development?

physical development

What does Cognitive Theory say about sleep?

sleep is important for learning and the consolidation, storage, and maintenance of memories.

What are the three views on why we dream?

Psychoanalytic, Biological Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis, and Cognitive Information Processing.

What is a psychoactive drug?

substance that changes mental processes, such as conscious awareness, mood, and perception.

What are the four categories of psychoactive drugs?

Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, and Opiates.

What is hypnosis?

an extreme focus on the self that involves suggested changes of behavior and experience.

What is meditation?

the act of focusing on a single target, such as breath or a repeated sound, to increase awareness of the moment.