Chapter 6 Flashcards
our subjective experience and changing awareness of the world, our bodies, and our mental perspectives
Consciousness
the internal processes used to set priorities for mental functioning
Attention
different auditory messages are presented separately and simultaneously to each ear and the subject’s task is to repeat aloud one message while ignoring the other
dichotic listening technique
the ability to focus on one auditory message and ignore others
cocktail party effect
a disorder of attention characterized by a tendency to ignore things that appear on one side of the body
Visual Neglect
fast and effortless processing that requires little or no focused attention
Automaticity
a psychological disorder marked by difficulties in concentrating or in sustaining attention for extended periods
ADHD
biological activities that rise and fall in accordance with a 24-hour cycle
Circadian Rhythms
what are the sleep stages?
wakefulness, stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, REM
the actual symbols and events experienced in a dream
manifest content
true psychological meaning of dream symbols
latent content
dreams represent the brain’s attempt to make sense of random patterns of neural activity generated during sleep
activation-synthesis hypothesis
low activity in this region during REM due to lack of visual input
striate cortex
high activity in this religion during REM; reflects visual hallucinations during sleep
extrastriate cortex
low activity in this religion during REM; reflects the lack of organization and planning that occurs in dreams
prefrontal cortex
problems connected with the amount, timing, and quality of sleep
dyssomnias
abnormal disturbances that occur during sleep
parasomnias
chronic condition marked by difficulty starting or maintaining sleep
insomnia
chronic condition marked by too much sleep
hypersomnia
cessation of breathing while sleeping
sleep apnea
rare sleep disorder characterized by sudden extreme sleepiness
narcolepsy
frightening and anxiety-arousing dreams that occur primarily during the REM stage of sleep
nightmares
terrifying experiences in which the sleeper awakens suddenly in an extreme state of panic
night terrors
in which the sleeper arises during sleep and wanders about
sleepwalking
endogenous chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate with each other throughout the brain and body
neurotransmitters
drugs that affect behavior and mental processes through alterations of conscious awareness
psychoactive drugs
category of psychoactive drugs that slow or depress the ongoing activity of the central nervous system
depressants
(sometimes referred to as psychedelics) a class of psychoactive drugs that tends to disrupt normal mental and emotional functioning, including distorting perception and altering reality
hallucinogens
a class of psychoactive drugs that increase central nervous system activity, enhancing neural transmission
stimulants
a form of social interaction that produces a heightened state of suggestibility in a willing participant
hypnosis
a technique for self-induced manipulation of awareness, often used for the purpose of relaxation and self-reflection
meditation
