AP Psychology Unit 5: States of Consciousness Flashcards
Consciousness
Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment
Hypnotic Induction
The process of being hypnotized; actions performed by a hypnotizer to create conditions (increased suggestibility) necessary for hypnosis to occur.
Hypnosis
A social interaction in which one person (the hypnotist) suggests to another (the subject) that certain perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors will spontaneously occur
Hypnotic Ability
Possessed by “highly hypnotizable people.” Defined as the ability to focus on a task, become imaginatively absorbed in it, and entertain fanciful possibilities.
Hypnotherapists
Try to help patients harness their own “healing powers” through hypnosis, particularly through the use of posthypnotic sugestions
Posthypnotic Suggestions
A suggestion, made during a hypnosis session, to be carried out after the subject is no longer hypnotized; used by some clinicians to help control undesired symptoms and behaviors
Heightened Suggestibility
The hypnotic “state”
Social Influence Theory of Hypnosis
Believe that hypnosis reflects the workings of normal consciousness and the power of social influence. People who are hypnotized begin to feel and act the way that “good hypnotic subjects” do
Dissociation
A split in consciousness, which allows some thoughts and behaviors to occur simultaneously with others. Some psychologists use this to explain hypnosis, with parts of the mind being disassociated from one another and thus unaware of the other’s actions
Sleep
A periodic, natural loss of consciousness - as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation
Circadian Rhythm
Our biological clock; Regular bodily rhythms (for example, of temperature and wakefulness) that occur on a 24-hour cycle
“Night Owls”
People who are energized in the evening, with their performance improving throughout the day. They are typically children and younger adults. They are generally smart and creative
“Morning Larks”
Those who feel most alert in the morning, with their performance worsening throughout the day. Morning larks are typically older adults and women who have just had children or are transitioning into menopause. They generally do better in school, take more initiative, be more punctual, and be less vulnerable to depression
REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement sleep; A recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep, because the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active. The brain’s motor cortex is active, but the brain stem stops it from receiving messages. Heart rate rises, breathing becomes rapid and irregular, and closed eyes dart around about every 30 seconds, usually announcing the beginning of a dream. The body becomes essentially paralyzed and you can not be easily awakened.
NREM Sleep
Non-rapid eye movement sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep. Has three stages: NREM-1, NREM-2, and NREM-3
Hallucinations
False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus. May occur during NREM-1 sleep.
Hypnagogic Sensations
Bizarre experiences, such as jerking or a feeling of falling or floating weightlessly, while transitioning to sleep, when alpha waves are decreasing
Sleep Spindles
Bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain-wave activity. Although it is possible to wake someone experiencing sleep spindles, they are now clearly asleep. Sleep spindles occur during NREM-2 sleep.
Delta Waves
The large, slow brain waves associated with the deep sleep of NREM-3
Sleep Paralysis
A phenomenon resulting from the paralyzing effect of REM sleep on the body. The body is internally aroused with waking brain-like activity, but the body is externally calm.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
A pair of tiny cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls the circadian rhythm. In response to light, the SCN causes the pineal gland to adjust melatonin production, thus modifying our feelings of sleepiness. During the day and in response to light, it inhibits the production of the hormone melatonin
Melatonin
A sleep-inducing hormone produced by the pineal gland. During the day or in response to light, the SNC inhibits its production.
Desynchronization
Being bathed in or deprived of light during times that do not correlate with our circadian rhythms. For example, night-shift workers are in a chronic state of desynchronization because their daily schedules do not align with their natural circadian rhythms
Benefits of Sleep
- Sleep protects us by suiting our ecological niche
- Sleep helps us recuperate by restoring the immune system and repairing brain activity
- Sleep helps us restore and rebuild our fading memories of the day’s experiences
- Sleep feeds creative thinking
- Sleep supports growth by allowing the pituitary gland to release the human growth hormone
Free Radicals
Molecules that are toxic to neurons that are produced by bats. During sleep, this toxic waste is swept away
NREM-1
Lasts for 5-10 minutes. Eye movement and muscle activity slow down and the eyes stay closed. If awoken from NREM-1 sleep, it may feel as if you haven’t slept at all. During NREM-1 sleep, people may experience hallucinations and hypnagogic sensations
NREM-2
A period of light sleep with periods of partial muscle contraction mixed with periods of muscle relaxation. Eye movement stops, heart rate slows, body temperature decreases, and brain waves become slower. There is a burst of rapid waves called sleep spindles. The body prepares to enter deep sleep.
NREM-3
This stage is deep sleep. During this stage, the brain produces delta waves and it is difficult to awaken. There is no eye movement or muscle activity.
William James’ Belief About Consciousness
William James discussed a continuous “stream of consciousness,” with each moment flowing into the next.
Sigmund Freud
Freud believed the unconscious was a hiding place for our most anxiety-provoking ideas and emotions, and that uncovering those hidden thoughts could lead to healing.
Altered States of Consciousness - Spontaneous
Daydreaming
Drowsiness
Dreaming
Altered States of Consciousness - Physiological
Hallucinations
Orgasm
Food or oxygen starvation
Altered States of Consciousness - Psychological
Sensory deprivation
Hypnosis
Meditation
Hypnotherapists
Try to help patients harness their own healing
powers.
Ernest Hilgard
Believed hypnosis involves not only social influence but also a special dual-processing state of dissociation — a split between different levels of consciousness.
How Does the Circadian Rhythm Affect
Our Daily Functioning?
- Body temperature rises as dawn nears, peaks during the day, dips in the afternoon then drops again in the evening.
- Thinking and memory improve as we approach our daily peak in circadian arousal.
- Age and experience may alter our circadian rhythm.
Types of Body Rhythm
- Circadian
- Ultradian
- Infradian
Ultradian Rhythm
More than once each day, include cycles for appetite and hormonal release
Infradian Rhythm
Once per month or season (breeding, migration, hibernation) includes menstrual cycle
EEG
A test that measures electrical activity in the brain. It is the primary machine used in sleep studies and records our brain activity while sleeping
Alpha Waves
Waves that occur as our brain is relaxing and preparing for sleep.
K-Complexes
A brief, high-amplitude spike-and-rebound waveform recorded in the scalp EEG NREM-2. It is postulated that they may suppress sleep disruptions and coordinate memory consolidation.
Sleep Cycle
About 90 minutes long
Wakefulness –> NREM-1 –> NREM-2 –> NREM-3 –> NREM-2 –>REM
Physiological Events During REM Sleep
- Heart rate rises; breathing becomes rapid and irregular.
- Genitals become aroused, men may have an erection, women may experience vaginal lubrication.
- Atonia or muscle paralysis occurs, except for an occasional twitch.
Functions of Sleep
- Protection
- Recuperation
- Restoration and rebuilding
- Feeds creative thinking
- Supports Growth
Functions of Sleep: Protection
At the end of the day’s hunting, gathering, and
travel, our ancestors were better off asleep in a cave, out of harm’s way. Those who didn’t wander around dark cliffs were more likely to leave descendants; natural selection!
Functions of Sleep: Recuperation
Sleep helps restore the immune system and repair brain tissue. Sleep gives resting neurons time to repair themselves, while pruning or weakening unused connections
Functions of Sleep: Restoration and Rebuilding
Sleep consolidates our memories by replaying recent learning and strengthening neural connections.
Functions of Sleep: Feeds Creative Thinking
Dreams can inspire noteworthy artistic and scientific achievements. A complete night’s sleep gives a boost to our thinking and learning.
Functions of Sleep: Supports Growth
During slow-wave sleep, which occurs mostly in the first half of a night’s sleep, the pituitary gland releases human growth hormone, which is necessary for muscle development.
Insomnia
Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep.
Occurs in 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 4 older adults
Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times
Occurs in 1 in 2000 adults
Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings
Occurs in 1 in 20 adults
Night Terrors
A sleep disorder characterized by a high arousal and appearance of being terrified; unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during NREM-3 sleep, within two or three hours of falling asleep, and are seldom remembered
Occurs in 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 30 children
Dream
A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person’s mind
Manifest Content
According to Freud, the symbolic, remembered storyline of a dream (as distinct from its latent, or hidden, content)
Latent Content
According to Freud, the underlying meaning of a dream (as distinct from its manifest content)
REM Rebound
The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation
Sleep Deprivation Effects on the Brain
- Decrease in focused attention
- Difficulty in processing or storing memories
- Decreased metabolic rate
- Enhanced limbic response to food
- Reduction of the ability to resist temptation
- Weight gain
Sleep Deprivation Effects on the Heart
Increased risk of high blood pressure
Sleep Deprivation Effects on the Immune System
- Lower white blood cell production
- Increased risk of viral infections
Sleep Deprivation Effects on Fat Cells
Increased production, causing weight gain
Sleep Deprivation Effects on Joints
Increased inflammation and arthritis
Sleep Deprivation Effects on the Stomach
- Increase in the hunger-arousing hormone ghrelin
- Decrease in the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin
Sleep Deprivation Effects on the Muscles
- Reduced strength
- Slower reaction time and motor learning
Ghrelin
The hunger-arousing hormone whose production is increased when a person is sleep-deprived
Leptin
The hunger-suppressing hormone whose production is decreased when a person is sleep-deprived
CPAP
Called “continuous positive airway pressure”
The most common treatment for sleep apnea. It applies mild air pressure to keep the airways open, making for sounder sleeping and better quality of life.
Sleepwalking
Known as somnambulism
It is a childhood disorder that runs in families, occurs during NREM-3 sleep, and is usually harmless. Few sleepwalkers recall the nighttime trips.
Sleep Talking
A childhood disorder that runs in families. Sleep talking can occur in any sleep stage.
Dream Theories
- To satisfy our own wishes
- Information-processing
- To develop and preserve neural pathways
- Activation-synthesis
- Cognitive development
Freudian Dream Theory
We dream to satisfy our own wishes. Much of the content in our dreams is censored (manifest) to mask our true, often erotic, desires (latent). Dreams are the key to understanding our inner conflicts. This theory has largely been dismissed by the scientific community because there is no objective evidence to back it up.
Information-Processing Theory
Proposes that dreams may help sift, sort, and fix the day’s experiences in our memory. Brain scans confirm the link between REM sleep and memory.
Physiological Function of Dreaming
By providing the brain with periodic stimulation, dreams help preserve and expand neural pathways
Activation-Synthesis Theory
Dreams are the brain’s attempt to synthesize random neural activity. Dreams erupt from neural activation spreading upward from the brainstem.
Cognitive Development Theory
Dreams overlap with waking cognition and feature coherent speech. They simulate reality by drawing on our concepts and knowledge. Dreams engage brain networks that also are active during daydreaming — and so may be viewed as intensified mind wandering, enhanced by visual imagery.
Psychoactive Drugs
A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods
Substance Use Disorder
A disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk
When is Drug Use a Disorder?
- Diminished control
- Diminished social functioning
- Hazardous use
- Drug action
Tolerance
The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect
Withdrawal
The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior
Depressants
Drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions
Disinhibitor
Slows neural activity. Depressants are all disinhibitors
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic use
Barbiturates
Drugs that depress central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment
Opiates
Opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin; depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety. Repeated use will stop the brain from producing endorphins.
Stimulants
Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, and the most powerful cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and Ecstacy) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions
Nicotine
A stimulating and highly addictive psychoactive drug in tobacco
Cocaine
A powerful and addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant; produces temporarily increased alertness and euphoria. Blocks reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Crack Cocaine
A faster-working crystallized form of cocaine that produces a briefer but more intense high, followed by a more intense crash
Amphetamines
Drugs, such as methamphetamine, that stimulate neural activity, causing accelerated body functions and associated energy and mood changes
Methamphetamine
A powerfully addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system, with accelerated body functions and associated energy and mood changes; over time, appears to reduce baseline dopamine levels
Ecstacy (MDMA)
A synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen. Produces euphoria and social intimacy, but with short-term health risks and longer-term harm to serotonin-producing neurons and to mood and cognition
Hallucinogens
Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input
Near-Death Experience
An altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death (such as cardiac arrest); often similar to drug-induced hallucinations
LSD
A powerful hallucinogenic drug; also known as acid
THC
The major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects, including mild hallucinations
Addiction
A primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry
Alcohol
A central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows neural activity in the brain and spinal cord.
Alcohol and GABA
When alcohol enters the body, it acts as an agonist with inhibitory GABA receptors making them more inhibitory.
Alcohol and Glutamate
Alcohol acts as an antagonist to glutamate receptors and prevents glutamate from exciting the cell.
William James
Coined the phrase “stream of consciousness,” with each moment in our lives flowing into the next
Ernest Hilgard
Argued that when people are hypnotized, they dissociate, or their consciousness splits into two levels. This allows thoughts/behaviors/sensations to occur simultaneously
