Consciousness

Question 1

define consciousness

Answer 1

Refers to the subjective awareness of mental events.

Question 2

2 main functions of consciousness

Answer 2

1. Monitoring the self and the environment

2. Controlling thoughts and behaviour

Question 3

psychodynamic view on consciousness

3 mental systems

Answer 3

1. Consciousness: mental states which you are aware of
2. Preconsciousness: mental events that can be brought into awareness
3. Unconsciousness: mental events that are inaccessible to awareness and events that are actively kept out of awareness

Question 4

cognitive view on consciousness

Answer 4

Information processing mechanisms that operate outside of the awareness

Question 5

define mediation

Answer 5

Develop a deep state of tranquillity by altering the normal flow of consciousness

Question 6

define hypnosis

Answer 6

A state of consciousness characterised by a deep relaxation and suggestibility

Question 7

define depressants and example

Answer 7

Depends of the biological action of the drug and the expectations of the effect

Alcohol

Question 8

define stimulants and example

Answer 8

Maintains arousal level
Enhances mood alteration
Increases self-confidence but paranoid delusions
Long term change in neurotransmitter

cocaine, nicotine

Question 9

define hallucinogens and example

Answer 9

Alter perceptions of the external environment and inner awareness

LSD, ecstasy

Question 10

define opiates and example

Answer 10

Suppress physical sensation and response to stimulation
Bind to same receptor sites as endorphins
Initial rush of pleasure but addiction is serious consequence

morphine, heroin

Question 11

2 basic principles of psychodynamic view

Answer 11

1. we’re not masters of our own minds

2. behaviour is a result of the unconscious process

Question 12

2 basic principles of cognitive

Answer 12

1. internal mental events are our behaviour

2. mental processes involve perceiving, processing and retrieving information.

Question 13

define circadian rhythms

Answer 13

biological process that evolved around the daily cycle of light and dark

Question 14

define chronotypes

Answer 14

individual differences with preferred patterns of sleep and wakefulness

Question 15

what are the functions for sleep (3)

Answer 15

1. memory consolidation
2. energy conservation
3. restoring bodily function

Question 16

define Non-REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep

Answer 16

occurs in stages 1-4 (relate and memorise table)
helps recover in daily fatugue
75-80% of total sleep

Question 17

Jane often experiences irresistible
compulsions to sleep during daytime.
When this happens, she falls into REM
sleep immediately. What is Jane
experiencing?

Answer 17

Narcolepsy

Question 18

Tim is 4 years old. Sometimes during
NREM sleep Tim goes into a panic and has
increased heart rate, sweat and
breathing. What is Tim experiencing?

Answer 18

Night terrors

Question 19

Ben is in REM sleep. He starts to
experience frightening dreams that make
him feel helpless and out of control. It
reminds him of a traumatic event. What
is Ben experiencing?

Answer 19

Nightmares