Chapter 8 Flashcards
cognitive neuroscience
an interdisciplinary field involving cognitive psychology, neurology, biology, computer science, linguistics, and specialists from other fields who are interested in the connection between mental processes and the brain
nonconscious process
any brain process that does not involve conscious processing, including both preconscious memories and nonconscious processes
consciousness
the process in which our brain creates a mental mode of our experience, usually occurring during wakefulness
attention
a process in which consciousness focuses on a single chunk in working memory
preconscious
simply…readily accessed memories…Freud’s notion that the mind has a special storehouse for information that is not currently in consciousness but readily available to it
unconscious
all non-conscious mental processes, though in Freudian theory it is a part of the mind that houses emotional memories, desires, and feelings that would be threatening if brought to consciousness
coma
an unconscious state in which a person lacks the normal cycles of sleep and wakefulness which last normally only a few days, it differs from minimally conscious state and persistent vegetative state
daydreaming
a common (and quite normal) variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from our immediate situation
circadian rhythm
a physiological pattern that repeats about every 24 hours, such as the sleep-wakefulness cycle
REM sleep
a stage of sleep that occurs about every 90 minutes, marked by bursts of rapid eye movements under close eyelids and are associated with dreaming
non-REM (NREM) sleep
the recurring periods associated with the deeper stages of sleep with no rapid eye movement
sleep paralysis
a condition where the sleeper is incapable of moving any voluntary muscles except those in the eyes, normally occurring in REM sleep
REM rebound
a condition of increased REM sleep caused by REM-sleep deprivation
sleep debt
a sleep deficiency caused by not getting enough sleep for optimal functioning
manifest content
the story line of a dream taken at face value, without interpretation
latent content
symbolic meaning of objects and events in dreams. This is an interpretation of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory.
activation-synthesis theory
dreams result in the brain stem trying to make sense of its own spontaneous bursts of activity
insomnia
the most common sleep disorder - insufficient sleep, inability to fall asleep quickly, frequent arousals, or early awakening
sleep apnea
a respiratory disorder in which the person stops breathing many times while asleep
night terrors
deep sleep episodes that seem to produce terror, though the experience/dream is usually forgotten on awakening. Usually only affects children
narcolepsy
a disorder of REM sleep, involving sleep-onset REM periods and sudden daytime REM-sleep attacks, usually accompanied by cataplexy (like sleep paralysis)
hypnosis
an induced state of awareness, usually characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention
meditation
a state of consciousness often induced by focusing on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions, and minimizing external stimulation. Maybe intended to enhance self-knowledge, well-being, and spirituality
psychoactive drug
chemical that affects mental processes and behavior by its effects on the brain
hallucinogen
a drug that produces hallucinations or alters perceptions of the external environment and internal awareness
opiate
highly addictive drug, derived from opium, that can provide a strong sense of well-being and has strong pain-relieving properties
depressant
drug that slows down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system
stimulant
a drug that arouses the central nervous system, speeding up mental and physical responses
general anesthetic
substance that suppresses consciousness and awareness of pain, most also produce sedation and immobility
tolerance
the reduce effectiveness of a drug after repeated use
physical dependence
a process in which the body adjust to, and comes to need, a drug for everyday functioning
addiction
a condition in which a person continues to use a drug, despite it’s adverse effects, often despite repeated attempts to discontinue using the drug
withdrawl
a pattern of uncomfortable or painful physical symptoms and cravings experienced by the user when the level of the drug is decreased or eliminated altogether
psychological dependence
a desire to obtain or use the drug even though there is no physical dependence
