General Psychology - Consciousness

What is consciousness?

Awareness of external and internal events and stimuli

Which of the following is an example of external awareness?

Sight

Which of the following is an internal event included in consciousness?

Thoughts

What does it mean that consciousness is subjective?

It is experienced differently by each individual

What does it mean that consciousness is selective?

We focus on some stimuli while ignoring others

What does it mean that consciousness is continuous?

We are always aware of something when conscious

What does it mean that consciousness is changing?

Thoughts and stimuli are constantly shifting

What is a state of consciousness?

Our level of awareness of internal and external stimuli

What is selective attention?

Focusing on chosen information while ignoring other stimuli

Which is an example of selective attention?

Studying for an exam

What is habituation?

Reduced attention to repeated stimuli

What is dishabituation?

Attention returning when a stimulus changes

What is divided attention?

Splitting attention between two or more tasks

Which is an example of divided attention?

Driving while talking to a passenger

What is daydreaming?

Shifting attention from external stimuli to internal thoughts

Which is an example of daydreaming?

Thinking about how you will complete a task later

What is meditation?

A technique used to relax the body and calm thoughts

What is the main goal during meditation?

Focus on one stimulus such as breathing while ignoring others

What is hypnosis?

An artificially induced sleep-like state of deep relaxation

Which is a use of hypnosis?

Quitting smoking or reducing pain

What is sleep?

A state of reduced awareness but not unconsciousness

What are circadian rhythms?

Physical, mental, and behavioural changes following a 24-hour cycle

What does an EEG measure?

Brain waves

What are brain waves?

Electrical pulses produced by neurons communicating with each other

What are alpha waves associated with?

Relaxed, calm thinking and resting state of the brain

What are beta waves associated with?

Alertness and focused mental activity

When do theta waves most commonly occur?

During sleep and deep meditation

When do delta waves occur?

Deep meditation and dreamless sleep

What happens to heart rate during sleep?

Lowers heart rate

What effect does slow, deep breathing have on heart rate?

Lowers heart rate

What does Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measure?

Level of emotional arousal

What causes changes in GSR?

Activation of sweat glands in the skin due to emotional stimulation

What type of stimuli increases GSR readings?

Fear-inducing stimuli such as spiders or angry faces