Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is consciousness?
Consciousness is the awareness of one’s surroundings, thoughts, and self.
Name two components of conscious awareness.
States of consciousness and contents of consciousness.
What is inattentional blindness?
Failure to notice things around us when we are not paying attention to them.
What brain area is involved in attention and conscious awareness?
The thalamus, specifically the intralaminar and midline nuclei.
What is preconsciousness?
A level of awareness where information can become readily available to consciousness if necessary.
What is the adaptive theory of sleep?
The theory that organisms sleep for self-preservation, keeping away from predators.
What controls our sleep/wake cycle?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.
How long is a typical sleep cycle?
Each cycle lasts 90-100 minutes.
Which stage of sleep is associated with dreaming?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
What is the activation-synthesis model of dreaming?
The theory that dreams result from the brain trying to make sense of random neural activity.
Define insomnia.
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
What is narcolepsy?
A disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness, often resulting in sudden REM sleep episodes.
How does hypnosis affect consciousness?
It induces an altered state with heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and intense focus.
Name a brain region associated with pain reduction during hypnosis.
The anterior cingulate cortex.
What is mindfulness meditation?
A form of meditation focusing on staying in the present moment without judgment.
Define psychoactive drugs.
Substances that alter mood, perception, awareness, or thought.
What are depressants, and give an example.
Drugs that suppress bodily processes; example: alcohol.
How do stimulants affect the CNS?
They increase bodily processes and energy levels.
What effect does LSD have on the brain?
It stimulates dopamine and serotonin receptors, leading to hallucinations.
What is reward-deficiency syndrome?
A theory suggesting some people may abuse drugs because their reward centers aren’t easily activated by life events.
What are the stages of sleep?
Stage 1: Light sleep; Stage 2: Sleep spindles; Stage 3 and 4: Deep sleep; REM: Dreaming.
What is implicit memory?
Memory for skills and tasks we perform automatically, without conscious awareness.
What is the circadian rhythm?
The biological clock, a 24-hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
What is sleep apnea?
A disorder where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep.
What is the Rouge Test?
A test for self-awareness where children recognize themselves in a mirror.
What is hypnosis used for?
It can be used for pain relief, stress reduction, and treatment of certain behaviors.
What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?
It regulates the sleep-wake cycle by responding to light signals.
What are sleep spindles?
Burst of rapid brain waves seen in Stage 2 sleep.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
Explicit memory is consciously recalled, while implicit memory involves unconscious recall.
What are night terrors?
Episodes of screaming and panic during Stage 3 or 4 sleep, often without memory of it.
What is the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in meditation?
It is involved in focus and pain reduction during deep meditation.
What are opioids?
Drugs that relieve pain by activating opioid receptors, e.g., morphine, heroin.
What is REM sleep characterized by?
Rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and increased brain activity.
