Ch 4

Chapter 4: Consciousness

Overview

Covers states of consciousness, attention, sleep, dreams, psychoactive drugs, and hypnosis.

Journal Prompt

Consider reasons for altering one's state of consciousness (relaxation, escape, enhancement).

Learning Objectives

  • 4.1 Different states of consciousness.

  • 4.2 Aspects of attention in consciousness.

  • 4.3 Circadian rhythms related to sleep.

  • 4.4 Functions and consequences of sleep deprivation.

  • 4.5 Stages of sleep in the sleep cycle.

  • 4.6 Sleep disorders and treatments.

  • 4.7 Theories explaining dreams.

  • 4.8 Symptoms of substance use disorders.

  • 4.9 Effects of depressant and stimulant drugs.

  • 4.10 Effects of narcotic and hallucinogenic drugs.

  • 4.11 Psychological themes in hypnosis.

What Is Consciousness?

  • States: Waking (alert) vs. Altered (sleep, drug use).

Attention in Consciousness

  • Selective Attention: Focus on one stimulus.

  • Selective Inattention: Ignoring other stimuli.

  • Divided Attention: Multitasking drawbacks.

Sleep and Dreaming

  • Circadian Rhythm: Biological clock (24-hour cycle).

  • Melatonin: Controls sleep induction.

  • Functions of Sleep: Preservation, restoration, learning; deprivation effects (fatigue, mistakes).

Stages of Sleep

  • Brain Waves: Beta (active), Alpha (relaxed), Theta (drowsy), Delta (deep sleep), REM (dreaming).

Sleep Disorders

  • Insomnia: Poor sleep quality.

  • Narcolepsy: Daytime sleep attacks.

  • Sleep Apnea: Breathing interruptions.

  • Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Dreams

  • Theories: Freudian (manifest vs. latent), Activation-Synthesis, Information-Processing.

Psychoactive Drugs

  • Dependence: Physiological and psychological.

  • Tolerance: Increased amount needed for effect.

  • Depressants: Slow CNS (e.g., alcohol).

  • Stimulants: Increase CNS (e.g., caffeine).

  • Narcotics: Pain management (e.g., heroin).

  • Hallucinogens: Altered experiences (e.g., LSD, marijuana).

Effects of Marijuana on Adolescents

Linked to lower IQ and academic achievement.

Hypnosis

  • Variations among individuals.

  • Cultural and ethical concerns.

  • Research on brain activity during hypnosis.

Summary

Overview of consciousness, sleep, dreaming, and psychoactive drugs' effects.