Chp 4: Consciousness

Question 1

Dualism approach

Answer 1

First theory that consciousness is separate from the brain but can interact through the pineal gland
- Prior to 17th century, René Descartes
(What is the relationship between the conscious mind & the physical brain?)

Question 2

Materialism approach

Answer 2

Theory that interactions among the brain nerves cells create consciousness
-Studies have shown that brain damage results in effects on consciousness
(What is the relationship between the conscious mind & the physical brain?)

Question 3

Theater View

Answer 3

First theory that consciousness is a single phenomenon, everything comes to a certain point to preform before the audience of your mind
(Does consciousness occur as a signal point or as several parallel mental operations occurring independently?)

Question 4

Parallel distribute processing model (PDP)

Answer 4

Theory that many parallel streams of info like sensation/memory interact in different parts of the brain to create consciousness
(Does consciousness occur as a signal point or as several parallel mental operations occurring independently?)

Question 5

Consciousness

Answer 5

Describes our awareness of internal and external stimuli

Question 6

Attention

Answer 6

-The ability to focus on someone or something
-Has limited capacity (Can only multitask so much)
-Is selective
-Can be “blind & death” (You can block things out)

Question 7

As long as we are alive …

Answer 7

… we are actually conscious
- When we sleep we are at a different level of consciousness

Question 8

Circadian rhythms

Answer 8

Biological rhythm that takes place in about 24 hours
-Sleep wake levels, body temperature, hunger
-Determined by info given to the pineal gland that produces melatonin

Question 9

Infidrain rhythms

Answer 9

Biological rhythm that takes place in more than 24 hours
-Menstruation cycles, hibernation with animals

Question 10

Suprachiasmatic nucleus

Answer 10

Brains clock mechanism for circadian and infidrain rhythms

Question 11

REM

Answer 11

Rapid eye movement, deepest level of sleep
-Muscles/eyes twitch
-Brain is most active in REM throughout 24 hour schedule (memory, keeping you alive, brain is very active in sleep)

Question 12

NREM

Answer 12

Non-rapid eye movement, quiet sleep
-When you’re partially asleep but not in REM sleep

Question 13

First stage of sleep