Consciousness, EEG & Brainwave Activity

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Questions and Answers

Consciousness is best described as:

The sole determinant of all human behavior.
Primarily influenced by external stimuli, overriding internal processes.
A product of dynamic interactions within distributed neural networks. (correct)
A function of a single, distinct brain structure.

An EEG directly measures neuronal firing rates within the brain.

False (B)

Explain how an EEG output allows researchers to infer different states of consciousness.

EEG output, comprising amplitude and frequency of brain waves, correlates with different states of consciousness. For example, fast, high-frequency beta waves are associated with active thinking, while slow, low-frequency delta waves dominate deep sleep. Analyzing these patterns helps identify states like alertness, relaxation, and sleep stages.

_________ waves, characterized by their fast frequency, are associated with active thinking and problem-solving.

Beta Signup and view all the answers

Match the brainwave patterns with their corresponding states of consciousness:

Beta waves = Active thinking, alertness Alpha waves = Relaxed awareness, calmness Theta waves = Light sleep, deep relaxation Delta waves = Deep, dreamless sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between brainwaves and states of consciousness?

Brainwaves are a measure of brain activity that correlate with, but do not directly cause, states of consciousness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Biological rhythms are exclusively circadian rhythms.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how circadian rhythms are a specific type of biological rhythm and provide an example.

Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms with a roughly 24-hour cycle, driven by an internal biological clock and synchronized with the day-night cycle. The sleep-wake cycle is a prime example of a circadian rhythm. Signup and view all the answers

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain is crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and is sensitive to ________.

light Signup and view all the answers

Ignoring circadian rhythms, such as working night shifts, can lead to:

Misalignment between internal biological clock and external cues, leading to poor sleep and health issues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An electromyograph (EMG) is used to measure brainwave activity during sleep studies.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an electrooculograph (EOG) in sleep studies?

An EOG records the electrical activity of the eyes, specifically eye movements. In sleep studies, it is crucial for detecting rapid eye movements (REM), a hallmark of REM sleep and associated with vivid dreaming. Signup and view all the answers

________ jerks are muscle contractions that may occur during the transition to Stage 1 sleep.

Hypnic Signup and view all the answers

Slow-wave sleep is characteristic of which stages of sleep?

Stage 3 and Stage 4 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Dreaming only occurs during REM sleep.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the paradoxical nature of REM sleep.

REM sleep is paradoxical because it exhibits characteristics of both deep sleep (muscle atonia, difficulty awakening) and wakefulness (awake-like brainwave activity). This combination allows for vivid dreaming while preventing physical enactment of dreams. Signup and view all the answers

During REM sleep, muscle _________ prevents us from acting out our dreams.

atonia Signup and view all the answers

Night terrors are most likely to occur during:

Slow-wave sleep (Stages 3 and 4) (D) Signup and view all the answers

The duration of REM sleep periods decreases as the night progresses.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the sleep cycle evolve throughout a typical night?

A typical night consists of about four 90-minute sleep cycles. Early cycles have more slow-wave sleep, while later cycles have longer REM periods and less slow-wave sleep. Non-REM sleep becomes shallower as REM periods lengthen throughout the night. Signup and view all the answers

The ________, located in the brainstem, is crucial for the initiation of REM sleep.

pons Signup and view all the answers

Severing nerve fibers in the pons, as observed in animal studies, primarily disrupts:

The ability to enter REM sleep (C) Signup and view all the answers

The energy conservation theory of sleep suggests that sleep primarily restores bodily resources.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the predation protection theory of sleep.

The predation protection theory suggests that sleep evolved as a strategy to minimize risk from predators by remaining inactive during vulnerable periods, such as nighttime, when organisms are more susceptible to attack. Signup and view all the answers

Sleep deprivation primarily leads to deficits in _________ function, mood disturbances, and increased accident risk.

cognitive Signup and view all the answers

Selective REM sleep deprivation, when followed by normal sleep, typically results in:

REM rebound, an increase in REM sleep time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Selective slow-wave sleep deprivation primarily impacts procedural memory consolidation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is memory consolidation, and how do REM and slow-wave sleep contribute to it?

Memory consolidation is the process of stabilizing temporary memories into a more permanent form for long-term storage. REM sleep is associated with consolidating emotional and procedural memories, while slow-wave sleep is essential for declarative memory consolidation. Signup and view all the answers

_________ is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Insomnia Signup and view all the answers

Narcolepsy is often associated with the immediate onset of which sleep stage?

REM sleep (A) Signup and view all the answers

Sleep apnea only affects REM sleep.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which sleep stage does somnambulism (sleepwalking) typically occur?

Somnambulism, or sleepwalking, typically occurs during slow-wave sleep (Stages 3 and 4) of non-REM sleep. Signup and view all the answers

REM sleep behavior disorder involves acting out _________ due to a lack of muscle atonia during REM sleep.

dreams Signup and view all the answers

Nightmares primarily occur during which sleep stage?

REM sleep (D) Signup and view all the answers

State theory of hypnosis suggests that hypnosis is merely role-playing.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Contrast state and non-state theories of hypnosis.

State theory argues hypnosis is a distinct altered state of consciousness allowing for unique experiences. Non-state theory suggests hypnosis is not a unique state but rather a product of social context, expectations, and cognitive factors, including role-playing and suggestion. Signup and view all the answers

_________ is a mental practice involving focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness and emotional calm.

Meditation Signup and view all the answers

Physiological changes associated with meditation include:

Reduced heart rate and lowered stress hormones. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Meditation is simply a form of relaxation and provides no additional benefits.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Define psychoactive drugs and categorize them based on their effects.

Psychoactive drugs are substances that alter brain function, affecting mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. They are categorized as stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids based on their primary effects on the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

_________ are psychoactive drugs that increase alertness, energy, and attention.

Stimulants Signup and view all the answers

Which category of psychoactive drugs primarily induces altered perceptions and sensory experiences?

Hallucinogens (D) Signup and view all the answers

Drug tolerance means increased sensitivity to a drug after repeated use.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how amphetamines and cocaine affect dopamine neurotransmission differently.

Amphetamines increase dopamine release and inhibit reuptake, elevating dopamine levels in the synapse. Cocaine primarily blocks dopamine reuptake by inhibiting dopamine transporters, also increasing synaptic dopamine levels but through a different mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

The _________ dopamine pathway in the brain is believed to be central to the reinforcing effects of abused drugs.

mesolimbic Signup and view all the answers

Physical dependence on a drug is characterized by:

Withdrawal symptoms upon drug cessation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Psychological dependence always involves severe physical withdrawal symptoms.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast physical and psychological dependence.

Physical dependence involves bodily adaptation and physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Psychological dependence involves emotional and mental cravings without necessarily severe physical withdrawal. Both can contribute to addiction, but manifest differently. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, ________ is identified as having the most diverse adverse health effects among psychoactive drugs.

alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Viewing alcohol-abuse disorder as a moral choice emphasizes:

Personal willpower and choices as the primary factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between consciousness and behavior?

Consciousness is one aspect of a broader behavioral framework, where both conscious thought and unconscious processes influence behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brainwave patterns with their corresponding states of consciousness:

Beta Waves = Active thinking and problem-solving Alpha Waves = Relaxed awareness and calmness Theta Waves = Light sleep or deep relaxation Delta Waves = Deep, dreamless sleep Signup and view all the answers

Ignoring circadian rhythms, such as consistently working night shifts, has no significant long-term effects on an individual's physical and mental well-being.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

REM sleep is paradoxical because while it is considered a deep sleep stage characterized by muscle atonia and difficulty in awakening, brainwave activity during REM sleep is similar to that observed during , specifically dominated by waves.

wakefulness, beta Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe two evolutionary theories that attempt to explain the purpose of sleep in humans and animals.

Two evolutionary theories for sleep are: <ol> <li>Energy Conservation: Sleep reduces energy expenditure during times when organisms are less likely to forage or engage in high-energy activities.</li> <li>Predation Protection: Sleeping during vulnerable hours, especially at night, minimizes the risk of exposure to predators.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Consciousness

Being aware and able to think and perceive one's surroundings, thoughts, and emotions.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A neuroimaging technique that records the brain's electrical activity via scalp electrodes.