Psychology Chapter on Consciousness

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Questions and Answers

What best describes conscious processing?

Unaware and unconscious

Limited capacity and slow sequenced processing (correct)

Automatic and abstract

Fast and parallel in nature

Which of the following states of consciousness is characterized by the highest level of alertness?

Waking consciousness

REM sleep

High alertness

Manic alertness (correct)

What is the primary feature of selective attention?

Being aware of stimuli through unconscious processing

Processing only the information we are consciously aware of (correct)

The ability to be aware of all sensory information

Noticing changes in our environment

How is change blindness best defined?

Failure to notice changes in one's environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is NOT considered an altered state of consciousness?

Sleepwalking Signup and view all the answers

What best characterizes nonconscious processes?

Basic biological operations Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the rhythmic biological fluctuations that occur in a 24-hour cycle?

Circadian Rhythm Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes unconscious processing from conscious processing?

Unconscious processing occurs on parallel tracks simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the chronic effects of heroin use?

Severe brain damage Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is characteristic of depressants?

Slowed neural processing Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible chronic effect of marijuana heavily used during adolescence?

Hindered brain development Signup and view all the answers

How does ecstasy affect serotonin levels in the brain?

Overstimulates serotonin release Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about LSD is accurate?

It may cause permanent damage to serotonin receptors Signup and view all the answers

What role do psychological factors play in drug use?

They influence the urge to avoid stress and may cause psychological disorders Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to a higher likelihood of teenage drug use?

Peer pressure and belonging to a drug-using culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of dualism?

The mind can exist independently of the body Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is closely associated with near-death experiences?

Replay of memories and vivid visions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common expectation effect associated with drug use?

Placebo effects can mimic drug effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of being a morning lark?

Feeling most peaceful in the morning Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population suffers from chronic insomnia?

10% Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of sleep does REM occur?

Stage 4 Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Stage 2 sleep?

Sleep spindles and K-complexes Signup and view all the answers

What effect does caffeine have in the short term?

Increased alertness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sleep from an evolutionary perspective?

To protect from night dangers Signup and view all the answers

Which sleep disorder involves the stopping of breathing during sleep?

Sleep apnea Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a symptom of acute caffeine consumption?

Paranoia Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes paradoxical sleep?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of chronic sleep deprivation?

Hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with sleep regulation?

Melatonin Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle choice is typically associated with night owls?

Snoozing alarm clocks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes Stage 1 of sleep?

The stage of light sleep where one may experience hypnagogic hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the production of melatonin when light is present?

Melatonin production decreases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Consciousness

Consciousness is our awareness of ourselves and our environment.
Dual processing occurs in the brain where information is processed simultaneously on conscious and unconscious tasks.
- Conscious processing is slow, sequential, and has limited capacity; good at problem-solving.
- Unconscious processing is fast, parallel, and not the same as Freud's unconscious.
Both processes happen simultaneously.

Altered States of Consciousness

Consciousness exists on a scale of alertness, ranging from manic alertness to coma.
States include waking consciousness, drowsiness, daydreaming, REM and non-REM sleep, coma/vegetative state, and more.
Many altered states, such as sensory deprivation, hypnosis, meditation, starvation, and drowsiness exist.

Conscious/Awake Levels

Consciousness involves sensory and inner awareness and a sense of self.
Conscious processing is serial (sequential).
Preconscious processing is not currently aware, but is accessible.
Unconscious processing is unavailable under most conditions.
Nonconscious processing involves basic biological functions.

Selective Attention

Our conscious awareness focuses on a small portion of experience.
We utilize information outside of conscious awareness.
Inattentional blindness occurs when we fail to notice something obvious.
Change blindness is a type of inattentional blindness, where we don't notice changes in our environment.

Sleep

Biological rhythms are periodic physiological fluctuations controlled by a biological clock.
Circadian rhythm is a 24-hour bodily rhythm.
Morning larks are productive in the morning, while night owls excel at night.
Natural 24-hour-11-minute circadian rhythm, with light influencing melatonin production, can be disrupted by sleep schedule adjustments.

Sleep Stages

Sleep is a periodic, natural, and reversible loss of consciousness.
A 90-minute cycle has 5 stages (1-4 and REM).
- Stage 1: Irregular brain waves, slowed breathing, sleep talking, and hypnagogic hallucinations. A myoclonic jerk is a sudden muscle contraction.
- Stage 2: Sleep spindles & K-complexes appear; brain inhibits mental processes.
- Stage 3: Transition stage, producing delta waves.
- Stage 4: Deep sleep (delta waves), hard to awaken; sleepwalking, bedwetting, and night terrors possible.
- REM sleep: Dreaming occurs, rapid eye movement is common, paradoxical sleep (paralysis), faster heart rate and breathing.

Why We Sleep

Sleep likely provides evolutionary protection from danger & recuperation for body and brain. During sleep:
Important memories are reinforced and unimportant memories are shed.
Bodily growth, specifically growth hormone secretion during stage 4, occurs mostly during sleep

Sleep Deprivation

Acute sleep deprivation causes irritability, decreased alertness, and reduced activity.
Chronic sleep deprivation impacts immune function, leading to depression, obesity, and hypertension.

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (acute and chronic).
Sleep apnea: Cessation of breathing during sleep (obstructive & central).
Night terrors: Frightening episodes during stage 4 sleep; not nightmares.

Drugs

Depressants: Slow messages between brain & body; low oxygen in the body
- Alcohol: slows motor & cognitive function plus decreases inhibition
- Barbiturates: reduced motor control, dizziness, reduced REM sleep
Stimulants: Create fake messages telling the body it's stressed. Leads to:
- Increased heart & breathing rates, constricted blood vessels, decrease in body cool down capabilities, and less energy
Hallucinogens: Distort perceptions and create hallucinations.
- Marijuana: Relaxation, euphoria, impaired memory/reactions, hallucinations; long-term use can impede brain development
- Ecstasy: Hypersensitivity, affection, confusion; long-term brain damage, kidney/cardiovascular problems
- LSD: Dilated pupils, high/low body temp., hallucinations; permanent damage to serotonin receptors.

Effects of Expectations:

Placebo effects from drugs are substantial,
Our beliefs about drugs often impact our experience with them.

Drug Use Overview:

Drug use is a biopsychosocial phenomenon influenced by biological factors (genetics, dopamine), psychological factors (stress, purpose), and social/cultural influences.

Near Death Experiences

Altered states of consciousness reported after close brush with death; sometimes similar to drug-induced hallucinations. May include: replayed memories, out-of-body sensations, bright lights/tunnels.

Dualism & Monism

Dualism: Mind and body are separate.
Monism: Mind and body are aspects of the same thing.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of heightened suggestibility.
About 20% of the population is highly sensitive to hypnosis.
Hypnosis won't make you do something you wouldn't normally do.

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Description

Explore the intricate concepts of consciousness, including dual processing and altered states. This quiz covers various levels of awareness, the nature of conscious and unconscious processing, and the spectrum of alertness from wakefulness to coma. Test your understanding of these pivotal psychological ideas.