Chapter 8

Question 1

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 1

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

Question 2

nonconscious process

Answer 2

any brain process that does not involve conscious processing, including both preconscious memories and nonconscious processes

Question 3

consciousness

Answer 3

the process in which our brain creates a mental mode of our experience, usually occurring during wakefulness

Question 4

attention

Answer 4

a process in which consciousness focuses on a single chunk in working memory

Question 5

preconscious

Answer 5

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

Question 6

unconscious

Answer 6

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

Question 7

coma

Answer 7

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

Question 8

daydreaming

Answer 8

a common (and quite normal) variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from our immediate situation

Question 9

circadian rhythm

Answer 9

a physiological pattern that repeats about every 24 hours, such as the sleep-wakefulness cycle

Question 10

REM sleep

Answer 10

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

Question 11

non-REM (NREM) sleep

Answer 11

the recurring periods associated with the deeper stages of sleep with no rapid eye movement

Question 12

sleep paralysis

Answer 12

a condition where the sleeper is incapable of moving any voluntary muscles except those in the eyes, normally occurring in REM sleep

Question 13

REM rebound

Answer 13

a condition of increased REM sleep caused by REM-sleep deprivation

Question 14

sleep debt

Answer 14

a sleep deficiency caused by not getting enough sleep for optimal functioning

Question 15

manifest content

Answer 15

the story line of a dream taken at face value, without interpretation

Question 16

latent content

Answer 16

symbolic meaning of objects and events in dreams. This is an interpretation of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory.

Question 17

activation-synthesis theory

Answer 17

dreams result in the brain stem trying to make sense of its own spontaneous bursts of activity

Question 18

insomnia

Answer 18

the most common sleep disorder - insufficient sleep, inability to fall asleep quickly, frequent arousals, or early awakening

Question 19

sleep apnea

Answer 19

a respiratory disorder in which the person stops breathing many times while asleep

Question 20

night terrors

Answer 20

deep sleep episodes that seem to produce terror, though the experience/dream is usually forgotten on awakening. Usually only affects children

Question 21

narcolepsy

Answer 21

a disorder of REM sleep, involving sleep-onset REM periods and sudden daytime REM-sleep attacks, usually accompanied by cataplexy (like sleep paralysis)

Question 22

hypnosis

Answer 22

an induced state of awareness, usually characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention

Question 23

meditation

Answer 23

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

Question 24

psychoactive drug

Answer 24

chemical that affects mental processes and behavior by its effects on the brain

Question 25

hallucinogen

Answer 25

a drug that produces hallucinations or alters perceptions of the external environment and internal awareness

Question 26

opiate

Answer 26

highly addictive drug, derived from opium, that can provide a strong sense of well-being and has strong pain-relieving properties

Question 27

depressant

Answer 27

drug that slows down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system

Question 28

stimulant

Answer 28

a drug that arouses the central nervous system, speeding up mental and physical responses

Question 29

general anesthetic

Answer 29

substance that suppresses consciousness and awareness of pain, most also produce sedation and immobility

Question 30

tolerance

Answer 30

the reduce effectiveness of a drug after repeated use

Question 31

physical dependence

Answer 31

a process in which the body adjust to, and comes to need, a drug for everyday functioning

Question 32

addiction

Answer 32

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

Question 33

withdrawl

Answer 33

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

Question 34

psychological dependence

Answer 34

a desire to obtain or use the drug even though there is no physical dependence