ap psych Consiousness

What is Conscious (C) and an example?

The level of consciousness referring to what you’re aware of right now; e.g., "I'm reading this card."

What is Nonconscious (NonC) and an example?

Body processes you don’t control; e.g., breathing, blinking, digestion.

What is Preconscious (PreC) and an example?

Info you aren’t thinking about but can easily access; e.g., your birthday, your mom’s name.

What is Subconscious (SubC)?

Info we are not aware of but affects behavior.

Define the mere exposure effect.

Liking things more when you see them repeatedly (even if you don’t remember seeing them).

Define priming and provide an example.

Seeing a word/image makes you respond faster to related things; e.g., seeing “yellow” makes you think “banana.”

According to Freud, what is Unconscious (UnC)?

Deep hidden thoughts, wishes, and fears that influence us without awareness.

Examples of Unconscious (UnC) content (Freud)?

Repressed memories, hidden motives.

Describe Dualism.

The belief that mind and body are separate, allowing for an afterlife where the mind can exist without the body.

Describe Monism.

The belief that mind and body are one, with consciousness being equivalent to brain activity.

What is the Circadian Rhythm?

A natural 24-hour biological clock controlling sleep, body temperature, and hormones.

What controls the Circadian Rhythm?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus.

How does light affect your circadian rhythm?

Light signals your brain to stop melatonin production.

How long does a typical sleep cycle last?

Approximately 90 minutes.

Describe Stage N1 (Light sleep).

Characterized by theta waves and may involve hallucinations or falling sensations.

Describe Stage N2.

Characterized by sleep spindles (bursts of rapid brain activity), with body temperature and heart rate dropping.

Describe Stage N3 (Deep sleep).

Characterized by delta waves (slowest, deepest sleep), growth hormone release, and difficulty waking someone.

What is REM sleep?

Rapid eye movement, dreaming, and paradoxical sleep (active brain, paralyzed body).

What cognitive function occurs during REM sleep?

Memory consolidation.

What are Alpha waves associated with?

An awake but relaxed state.

What are Theta waves associated with?

Light sleep (Stage N1).

What are Delta waves associated with?

Deep sleep (Stage N3).

Cognitive issues due to sleep deprivation?

Slower reaction time and memory issues.

Physiological/emotional issues due to sleep deprivation?

Irritability, weakened immune system, and higher stress hormone (cortisol).

What is Melatonin and what releases it?

The sleep hormone released by the pineal gland.

How do darkness and light affect melatonin levels?

Darkness increases melatonin release, while light decreases it.

What is Insomnia and its treatment?

Trouble falling or staying asleep; treated with better sleep habits, meds, relaxation.

What is Narcolepsy and its treatment?

Suddenly falling into REM sleep; treated with stimulants, scheduled naps.

What is Sleep apnea?

Stopping breathing during sleep, leading to repeated awakenings; symptoms include snoring and daytime tiredness.

How is Sleep apnea treated?

Use of a CPAP machine.

What are Night terrors?

Intense fear episodes occurring in N3 (deep sleep), not REM, mostly in children, with no memory of it.

In which sleep stage do Night terrors occur?

In Stage N3 (deep sleep), distinguishing them from nightmares (which occur in REM).

According to Freud, what is Manifest content?

The literal story and images of a dream.

According to Freud, what is Latent content?

The hidden, symbolic meaning or wish behind the manifest content of a dream.

What does the Information Processing Theory suggest about dreams?

Dreams help us process, consolidate, and organize daily memories.

What does the Physiological Function Theory suggest about dreams?

Dreams stimulate the brain to keep neural pathways active and healthy.

What is Role Theory of hypnosis?

People are acting out a role and are not in a truly altered state; related to hypnotic suggestibility.

What is State Theory of hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a real, altered state of consciousness.

Explain Dissociation Theory (Hilgard) of hypnosis.

Consciousness splits into two streams; one is hypnotized, the other is aware (hidden observer).

What is the "hidden observer" concept?

An individual's underlying awareness during hypnosis, demonstrated by Hilgard's ice bucket experiment.

What did the Hilgard Ice Bucket Experiment show?

Hypnotized subjects reported no pain from ice water, but a "hidden observer" reported pain when asked indirectly, supporting dissociation.

Define Agonist.

A drug that mimics a neurotransmitter (e.g., opiates mimic endorphins).

Define Antagonist.

A drug that blocks a neurotransmitter (e.g., naloxone blocks opiates).

Define Tolerance.

Needing more of a drug for the same effect.

Define Withdrawal.

Symptoms experienced when stopping a drug after dependence.

Define Physical dependence.

The body's physiological need for a drug.

Define Psychological dependence.

A mental craving for a drug (mind "craves" it).

What are Stimulants?

Drugs that speed up the body and nervous system.

Examples of Stimulants?

Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, meth, ADHD meds.

Effects and risks of Stimulants?

Alertness, energy, euphoria; risks include anxiety, heart problems, and a "crash."

What are Depressants?

Drugs that slow down the body and nervous system.

Examples of Depressants?

Alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax), barbiturates.

Effects and risks of Depressants?

Relaxation, slowed reflexes; risks include impaired judgment, overdose, and dangerous withdrawal.

What are Opiates / Narcotics?

Painkillers that mimic endorphins.

Examples of Opiates / Narcotics?

Heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl.

Effects and risks of Opiates / Narcotics?

Euphoria, pain relief; risks include extreme addictiveness and high overdose potential.

What are Hallucinogens?

Drugs that cause distorted perceptions.

Examples of Hallucinogens?

LSD, mushrooms, marijuana (mild hallucinogen).

Effects and risks of Hallucinogens?

Altered senses, vivid imagery; risks include "bad trips" and flashbacks.