U1b AP Psych In-Class Notes

Annual cycles

Seasonal variations in biological rhythms, such as hibernation in bears and seasonal affective disorder.

Circadian rhythm

A biological clock that regulates physiological processes over a 24-hour cycle.

Sleep cycle

A recurring pattern of sleep stages that lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Hormone cycle

Monthly biological cycle that regulates hormone levels.

NREM Stage 1

The first stage of sleep experienced as falling asleep, lasting 1-5 minutes.

NREM Stage 2

The stage of sleep characterized by total theta waves, which occupies about 45-60% of sleep.

NREM Stage 3

Known as delta sleep, this stage involves slow-wave sleep critical for growth, lasting 15-30 minutes.

REM sleep

The sleep stage associated with vivid dreams where brain activity and heart rate increase.

Insomnia

Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep for at least two weeks.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks and lapses into REM sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, often associated with snoring and obesity.

Night Terrors

High arousal events that occur during NREM 3, often causing feelings of terror.

Sleepwalking

A disorder occurring during NREM 3 where an individual walks or performs activities while asleep.

REM Rebound

Increased REM sleep following a period of REM sleep deprivation.

Lucid dreaming

A state where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and may control the dream.

Freud’s wish-fulfillment theory

The theory that dreams are meant to fulfill our wishes and reveal inner conflicts.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

The theory suggesting dreams result from the brain's attempts to make sense of random neural activity.

Information-Processing Theory

The theory that dreams help process and file away memories.

Physiological Function Theories

Theories suggesting REM sleep aids in developing and preserving neural pathways.

Cognitive Development

The theory that dreams reflect the cognitive development of the dreamer.

Thresholds

The levels of stimulus intensity needed to detect a given stimulus.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulus intensity required to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Difference threshold

The minimum difference in stimulus intensity needed to detect a change.

Weber’s law

The principle stating that for a sensory difference to be perceived, it must be a constant proportion.

Sensory adaptation

The process by which sensitivity to a stimulus decreases over time with constant exposure.

Energy senses

Senses that respond to physical energy, such as sound and touch.

Chemical senses

Senses that respond to chemicals, such as taste and smell.

Transduction

The process of converting sensory stimuli into neural signals.

Visual capture

The tendency of vision to overpower other senses.

Trichromatic Theory

The theory that color perception is based on the activity of three types of cones: red, green, and blue.

Opponent-Process Theory

The theory stating color perception is controlled by the activity of opposing systems.

Place theory

The theory of pitch perception that links pitch to the place of maximal vibration on the cochlea.

Frequency theory

The theory that pitch is determined by the frequency at which the basilar membrane vibrates.

Nerve deafness

Hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea.

Conduction deafness

Hearing loss caused by problems with the mechanical system that transmits sound to the cochlea.

Gate Control Theory of Pain

The theory suggesting that the perception of pain is controlled by a gate mechanism in the spinal cord.

Taste buds

Sensory organs located on papillae that detect taste.

Papillae

Bumps on the tongue that contain taste buds.

Smell

The sensory process tied closely to memory and linked through the hippocampus.

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information to construct reality.