Consciousness

Question 1

What is consciousness and how is it generated?

Answer 1

A person’s awareness of everything ongoing around them at any given time.

It is generated by a set of action potentials in the communication among neurons just sufficient enough to produce a specific perception, memory, or experience in our awareness.

Question 2

What are the two kinds of thought processes?

Answer 2

Controlled and automatic.

Question 3

What is a controlled thought process and what are some examples of it?

Answer 3

A controlled thought process is when it requires our conscious attention to a fairly high degree. For example, driving a car or having a conversation.

Question 4

What is an automatic thought process and what are some examples of it?

Answer 4

An automatic thought process requires a comparatively low
level of conscious awareness. For example, breathing or walking.

Question 5

What is waking consciousness?

Answer 5

A state where thoughts, feelings and sensations are clear and organised and the person feels alert.

Question 6

What is an altered state of consciousness?

Answer 6

Occurs when there is a shift in the quality or pattern of mental activity compared to the waking consciousness.

Question 7

What are the 2 factors that an altered state of consciousness are dependent on?

Answer 7

Wakefulness (Level of alertness, whether you are asleep or awake)

Awareness (How aware you are of your feelings and what you are experiencing)

Question 8

What is sleep defined as?

Answer 8

A reversible behavioural state of perceptual disengagement from, and unresponsiveness to, the environment.

Question 9

What is a sleep-wake cycle?

Answer 9

A circadian rhythm, which is a cycle of bodily rhythm occurring over a 24-hour period.

Question 10

Which part of the brain controls the sleep-wake cycle?

Answer 10

The hypothalamus, specifically the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

Question 11

What are the stages of sleep?

Answer 11

REM (R) and NREM (N1-N3).

N1: Light Sleep
N2: Sleep Spindles
N3: Deep Sleep

Question 12

What occurs when someone is deprived of REM/R sleep?

Answer 12

It would lead to REM rebound, where a person experiences increased amounts of REM sleep on later nights.

Question 13

What is R/REM stage of sleep, how are the brainwaves during this stage?

Answer 13

Stage of sleep which the eyes move rapidly under the eyelids, the person is typically experiencing a dream.

Brain waves are similar to those during alert wakefulness.

Question 14

What are the 4 different type of brain-waves usually used to determine what type of sleep the person has entered?

Answer 14

Beta (Smaller faster brain waves, indicates presence of mental acitivty)

Alpha (High amplitude, slower and normal frequency, indicates relaxation or light sleep)

Theta (Slower than alpha, erratic with higher and lower amplitude, indicates early stages of sleep)

Delta (Longer and slower brain waves, high amplitude but lower frequency, indicates deepest stage of sleep)

Question 15

What is the recommended amount of sleep for adults to perform their best?

Answer 15

7-8 hours of sleep.

Question 16

What occurs when a person has been deprived of general sleep?

Answer 16

The person experiences negative effects on physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

Question 17

What are sleep disorders?

Answer 17

Disorders which affect an individual’s sleep pattern.

Question 18

What are the 7 most common sleep disorders?

Answer 18

Insomnia/hypersomnia (Inability to sleep/excessive day sleeping)

Sleep Apnea (Respiratory disorder, leads to snoring)

Narcolepsy (Sudden REM sleep, often accompanied by cataplexy or sudden loss of muscle control)

Parasomnia (Unwanted/disruptive motor activities and/or experiences while sleeping)

Night Terrors/Nightmares

Sleepwalking/Somnambulism

Restless Leg Syndrome (Causes strong urge to move legs when at rest/sleeping)

Question 19

What are the 2 theories as to why we sleep?

Answer 19

Adaptive theory: Animals and humans evolved sleep patterns to avoid predators by sleeping when predators are most active.

Restorative theory: Sleep is necessary to the physical health of the body and serves to replenish chemicals and repair cellular damage.

Question 20

What are dreams and when do they occur?

Answer 20

Dreams are a succession of images, ideas, emotions and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep (usually REM).

Question 21

What are the 3 theories of dreams?

Answer 21

Sigmund Freud’s theory, activation-synthesis hypothesis and activation-information-mode model.

Question 22

What is the Sigmund Freud’s Theory of Dreams?

Answer 22

Dreams are meant to fulfill unconscious wishes and urges.

He believed that these urges were disguised as symbols to guard sleep from disruption by threatening content.

He also believed that dreams consist of manifest content (actual content of a dream) and latent content (hidden underlying meaning of a dream).

Question 23

What is the activation-synthesis hypothesis theory of dreams?

Answer 23

Dreams are the result of some areas of the cortex interpreting, or attempting to piece together (“synthesise”), the random neural signals (“activation”) arising from the pons in the brainstem during REM sleep.

Question 24

What is the activation-information-mode model theory of dreams?

Answer 24

A revised version of activation-synthesis explanation that proposes that information accessed during waking hours can influence the synthesis of dreams.

Question 25

What is hypnosis?

Answer 25

A state of consciousness in which the person is especially susceptible to suggestion.

Question 26

What are the 4 general steps to induce hypnosis on a subject?

Answer 26

1. The hypnotist tells the person to **focus** on what is being said. 2. The person is told to **relax** and feel tired. 3. The hypnotist tells the person to **“let go”** and **accept** suggestions easily. 4. The person is told to use vivid **imagination**.

Question 27

What are the 2 views on the psychological mechanisms of how hypnosis works?

Answer 27

Hypnosis as Dissociation (Divided State of Conscious Awareness) Hypnosis as Social Role-Playing

Question 28

What are psychoactive drugs and what are some examples of them?

Answer 28

Any chemical substances that alter our mental processes (thinking, perception, and memory) and behaviour. Some examples are stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens.

Question 29

What happens when someone becomes physically dependent on psychoactive drugs?

Answer 29

The person's body becomes unable to function normally without the drug and they may experience withdrawal symptoms which can range from headaches, nausea, irritability to severe pain, cramping, shaking and dangerously elevated blood pressure.

Question 30

What happens when someone becomes psychologically dependent on psychoactive drugs?

Answer 30

The person is in the belief that a drug is needed to continue a feeling of emotional or psychological well-being. People may not experience the symptoms of physical withdrawal or tolerance, but they will continue to use the drug because they think they need it.

Question 31

What happens to the brain when people use psychoactive drugs?

Answer 31

It activates the mesolimbic system, or the brain’s “reward pathway”, causing a release of dopamine and intense pleasure. The brain tries to adapt to this large amount of dopamine by decreasing the number of synaptic receptors for dopamine, developing a drug tolerance for the person.

Question 32

What are stimulants in psychoactive drugs and what are some examples?

Answer 32

Drugs that cause either the sympathetic division and/or the central nervous system to increase levels of functioning temporarily. Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine & amphetamines are examples of stimulants.

Question 33

What are depressants in psychoactive drugs and what are some examples?

Answer 33

Drugs that suppress the sensation of pain by binding to and stimulating the nervous system’s natural receptor sites for endorphins. Opium, morphine, heroin & opioids are examples. Some depressants also slows or decreases the functioning of the nervous system. Barbiturates (major tranquilisers), benzodiazepines (minor tranquillisers), alcohol opiates and opioids are examples.

Question 34

What are hallucinogens in psychoactive drugs and what are some examples?

Answer 34

Drugs that cause false sensory messages (hallucinations), altering the perception of reality. Marijuana, LSD, PCP & MDMA (Ecstasy or X) are examples of hallucinogens.

Question 35

What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

Answer 35

The SCN is an internal clock which is sensitive to changes in light. As light fades, the SCN activates the pineal gland to secrete melatonin, which suppresses neurons in the brain that keeps us alert and awake.

Question 36

A change in the quality or pattern of mental activity, such as increased alertness or divided consciousness, is called a(n): a. hallucination. b. waking consciousness. c. transient state of consciousness. d. altered state of consciousness.

Answer 36

d. altered state of consciousness.

Question 37

Consciousness can be defined as a set of action potentials occurring among neurons in which of the following views? a. behavioral b. cognitive neuroscience c. evolutionary d. sociocultural

Answer 37

b. cognitive neuroscience

Question 38

Which of the following is an example of an automatic process? a. doing math problems b. driving a car c. talking on a cell phone d. brushing your teeth

Answer 38

d. brushing your teeth

Question 39

Which of the following is the riskiest behavior? a. Talking on a cell phone while brushing your hair b. Driving while talking on a cell phone c. Driving and talking on a cell phone as long as it is hands-free d. Texting while driving

Answer 39

d. Texting while driving

Question 40

The sleep–wake cycle typically follows a 24-hour cycle and is regulated by the _______. a. cerebellum b. frontal lobe c. suprachiasmatic nucleus d. pituitary gland

Answer 40

c. suprachiasmatic nucleus

Question 41

The pineal gland receives instructions from the ______ to release ______. a. thalamus, dopamine b. suprachiasmatic nucleus, melatonin c. occipital lobe, serotonin d. spinal cord, acetylcholine

Answer 41

b. suprachiasmatic nucleus, melatonin

Question 42

Which of the following is involved in determining when we sleep? a. body position b. digestion c. body temperature d. GABA

Answer 42

c. body temperature

Question 43

Which theory states that sleep is a product of evolution? a. adaptive theory b. reactive theory c. restorative theory d. REM theory

Answer 43

a. adaptive theory

Question 44

Which of the following is a characteristic of stage N3, or slow-wave sleep? a. paralysis of voluntary muscles b. increased heart rate c. deepest level of sleep d. increased body temperature

Answer 44

c. deepest level of sleep

Question 45

Sleepwalking occurs in stage _______ sleep, whereas nightmares occur in stage _______ sleep. a. N1, N2 b. N3, R c. R, N3 d. N2, N1

Answer 45

b. N3, R

Question 46

In Freud’s theory, the actual content of a dream is called: a. latent content. b. symbolic content. c. manifest content. d. hidden content

Answer 46

c. manifest content.

Question 47

Lisa used to feel that dreams have hidden meanings. But, nowadays, she believes that her dreams are nothing but random images. Lisa’s current belief aligns with the ______ theory of dreams. a. activation-synthesis hypothesis b. activation information model c. Freudian theory of dreams d. dreams for survival theory

Answer 47

a. activation-synthesis hypothesis

Question 48

According to Calvin Hall, around what are most dreams centered? a. unfulfilled fantasies b. everyday life c. frightening events d. past childhood

Answer 48

b. everyday life

Question 49

Studies show that most people tend to: a. dream in color. b. dream in black and white. c. not dream at all. d. only have nightmares.

Answer 49

a. dream in color.

Question 50

The primary key to hypnosis is finding someone who: a. has a vivid imagination. b. is already very tired. c. accepts suggestions easily. d. is easily distracted.

Answer 50

c. accepts suggestions easily.

Question 51

Some researchers have suggested that hypnosis may work due to an individual’s personal expectations about what being hypnotized is supposed to be like and the individual’s ability to play a particular role in the given social situation. Which theory of hypnosis best accounts for these possible explanations for an individual’s behavior while hypnotized? a. social-cognitive theory b. dissociative theory c. biological theory d. expectancy theory

Answer 51

a. social-cognitive theory

Question 52

Felix goes to a therapist who uses hypnosis as part of his therapy. As a first-timer to hypnosis, he is really concerned. Which of the following of Felix’s fears are justified? a. He will be hypnotized against his will. b. He might be forced to do things that he doesn’t want. c. His memories can be permanently erased. d. None of the above

Answer 52

d. None of the above

Question 53

Which theory of hypnosis includes the idea of a “hidden observer”? a. biological b. social cognitive c. dissociative d. expectancy

Answer 53

c. dissociative

Question 54

As consequences to stopping drug use, headaches, nausea, shaking, and elevated blood pressure are all signs of: a. overdose. b. withdrawal. c. psychological dependency. d. amphetamine toxicity.

Answer 54

b. withdrawal.

Question 55

What drug’s physical withdrawal symptoms include severe mood swings (crash), paranoia, extreme fatigue, and an inability to feel pleasure? a. heroin b. cocaine c. caffeine d. alcohol

Answer 55

b. cocaine

Question 56

Which of the following statements about nicotine is true? a. Nicotine can slow the heart and therefore create a sense of relaxation. b. Overall, the number of Americans smoking is on the increase. c. In terms of addictive power, nicotine may be more powerful than cocaine or alcohol. d. Overall, the number of women and teenagers smoking is on the increase.

Answer 56

c. In terms of addictive power, nicotine may be more powerful than cocaine or alcohol.

Question 57

_______ is a tranquilizer that is also known as the “date rape” drug. a. Rohypnol b. Halcion c. Xanax d. Librium

Answer 57

a. Rohypnol

Question 58

Typically, opiates have the ability to: a. cause intense hallucinations. b. stimulate the user. c. suppress the sensation of pain. d. cause deep levels of depression

Answer 58

c. suppress the sensation of pain.

Question 59

Most studies of marijuana’s effects have found that it: a. creates a strong physical dependency. b. creates a powerful psychological dependency. c. produces intense withdrawal symptoms. d. is easy to overdose on the substance.

Answer 59

b. creates a powerful psychological dependency.

Question 60

Peter is aware that he is driving his car and that he is within the speed limit. He is also aware that he is thinking about meeting his friends and watching a movie. Therefore, if Peter is aware of what is going on around him and what is going on within him, then it is safe to say that he is in a(n): a. altered state of consciousness b. state of waking consciousness c. unconsciousness state d. state of hallucination

Answer 60

b. state of waking consciousness

Question 61

What part of the brain is influential in determining when to sleep? a. hippocampus b. hypothalamus c. thalamus d. frontal lobe

Answer 61

b. hypothalamus

Question 62

The ______ part of Rosa’s brain is sensitive to light and works as an internal body clock telling her when to sleep and when to wake up. a. suprachiasmatic nucleus b. pons c. reticular formation d. thalamus

Answer 62

a. suprachiasmatic nucleus

Question 63

Alexandra never sleeps before exams and believes that it doesn’t hurt her performance. Which of the following is NOT true about pulling all-nighters? a. It hampers memory. b. It increases the level of performance as the task becomes more complex. c. It degrades the ability to think well. d. It negatively affects the ability to concentrate.

Answer 63

b. It increases the level of performance as the task becomes more complex.

Question 64

Fabian just had his first grandchild. He is around 60 years old and is very health conscious. He has started to doubt if he is getting enough sleep. He used to sleep for 7-8 hours when he was young, but that has now come down to 5-6 hours. What suggestion would be helpful to him? a. He need not worry as it is normal for sleep hours to decrease to around 6 with age. b. He needs to immediately go to a doctor as less sleep can be disastrous for his health especially at that age. c. He might be on the way to develop Alzheimer’s and should seek immediate treatment. d. He can fall into microsleeps due to sleep deprivation and get into an accident

Answer 64

a. He need not worry as it is normal for sleep hours to decrease to around 6 with age.

Question 65

Today, one of the most common practices of teenagers is to surf the Internet on their cell phones just before falling asleep. This behavior can often result in sleep problems because _______. a. looking at the screen can affect your mental peace b. bright screens can increase the release of melatonin and advance sleep c. bright screens can suppress the release of melatonin and delay sleep d. looking at a screen for a long time can cause eye pain which can distract you from sleeping

Answer 65

c. bright screens can suppress the release of melatonin and delay sleep

Question 66

Studies have found that certain chemicals that help repair damaged cells only function while we sleep. What theory best explains this? a. circadian rhythm of sleep b. adaptive theory of sleep c. restorative theory of sleep d. sleep deprivation theory

Answer 66

c. restorative theory of sleep

Question 67

In which stage of sleep do sleep spindles occur? a. N1 b. N2 c. N3 d. R

Answer 67

b. N2

Question 68

Adrian is a therapist. Although his work is not physically taxing, a typical day in work involves emotional exhaustion. If work tends to drain him mentally, which type of sleep will Adrian require more of? a. N1 b. N2 c. N3 d. R

Answer 68

d. R

Question 69

Your doctor has told you that your youngest son suffers from somnambulism. What is another name for somnambulism? a. sleepwalking b. insomnia c. sleep apnea d. narcolepsy

Answer 69

a. sleepwalking

Question 70

Drew has difficulty falling off to sleep. Mateo is able to sleep but wakes up multiple times during the night, while Parker usually sleeps for over 8 hours. However, all three wake up feeling tired. Which one of them is possibly suffering from insomnia? a. Drew b. Mateo c. Parker d. All of them

Answer 70

d. All of them

Question 71

Which of the following would be bad advice for someone who is suffering from insomnia? a. Do not take sleeping pills. b. Go to bed only when you are sleepy. c. Do not look at the clock. d. Do not exercise—it overstimulates the brain.

Answer 71

d. Do not exercise—it overstimulates the brain.

Question 72

Reena doesn’t realize when she falls asleep during the day. This happens quite often in her office, and once she even fell asleep in a public restroom. She doesn’t drive her own vehicle as she fears she would fall asleep while driving and injure herself or others. She is most likely suffering from _______. a. sleepwalking b. narcolepsy c. sleep apnea d. insomnia

Answer 72

b. narcolepsy

Question 73

Calvin had a dream about his dog Snoopy in which he constantly looked for him but couldn’t find him. In reality, Calvin’s dog had died after being hit by a car. According to Sigmund Freud, Calvin’s dream in which he was searching for his dog is an example of _______, while the inner meaning that he misses his dog terribly is an example of _______. a. wish fulfillment, manifest content b. manifest content, latent content c. latent content, wish fulfillment d. latent content, manifest content

Answer 73

b. manifest content, latent content

Question 74

Yuki and his friends decide to discuss their dreams with each other. Although everyone seems to arrange their dreams into a coherent storyline, Yuki feels that his dreams comprise random scenes and images with little meaning. Which theory of dream can Yuki relate with? a. Freudian theory b. activation-synthesis hypothesis c. dreams-for-survival theory d. Hall’s cognitive theory of dreaming

Answer 74

b. activation-synthesis hypothesis

Question 75

Which of the following highlights a possible use of hypnosis? a. Maribel is being hypnotized to help her prepare for the pain she may feel after a knee replacement surgery. b. Philip is being guided into his past with hypnosis to recall the time when he was sexually assaulted as a child. c. Dona is being hypnotized to help her lift better in a weightlifting championship. d. All of the above.

Answer 75

a. Maribel is being hypnotized to help her prepare for the pain she may feel after a knee replacement surgery.

Question 76

Joel likes magic shows, especially if they feature hypnotists. She recently attended one such show. In one of the acts, a man was hypnotized and, after that, he started to walk on all fours like a four-legged animal. Which theory best explains the man’s behavior? a. the hidden observer theory b. the social-cognitive explanation c. the two-mind theory d. the evolutionary theory

Answer 76

b. the social-cognitive explanation

Question 77

Simona’s new year resolution was to quit smoking. A few days after quitting, she started to have headaches, developed a sore throat, and had trouble sleeping. These are _______ symptoms. a. psychological dependence b. overdose c. reinforced behavior d. withdrawal

Answer 77

d. withdrawal

Question 78

What is the most commonly used and abused depressant? a. Prozac b. tranquilizers c. alcohol d. caffeine

Answer 78

c. alcohol

Question 79

Which drug, depending on the dosage, can be a hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, or painkiller? a. marijuana b. PCP c. opium d. caffeine

Answer 79

b. PCP

Question 80

At which stage of sleep does sleep paralysis occur?

Answer 80

R/REM stage of sleep.