States of Consciousness Cognitive Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience An

States of Consciousness

Cognitive Neuroscience �Cognitive Neuroscience – An interdisciplinary field involving cognitive psychology, neurology, biology, computer science, linguistics and specialists from other fields who are interested in the connection between mental processes and the brain.

Consciousness �Consciousness – The process by which the brain creates a model of internal and external experience. �Can take many forms.

Nonconscious Processes �Nonconscious Processes – Any brain process that does not involve conscious processing. �Preconscious memories �Unconscious Processes

Conscious and Nonconscious Minds �What Consciousness Does For Us: �Restricts our attention �Provides a mental “meeting place” where sensation can combine with memory, emotions, etc. �Allows us to create a mental model of the world that we can manipulate.

Levels of the Nonconscious Mind �The. Preconscious : �Preconscious memories – Information that is not currently in consciousness but can be recalled to consciousness voluntarily or after something calls attention to them. � Example – Salem is the capital of Oregon.

Levels of the Nonconscious Mind �The Unconscious – A part of the mind that houses memories, desires, and feelings that would be threatening if brought to consciousness.

Levels of the Nonconscious Mind �The Unconscious: �Many modern psychologists view the unconscious in less sinister terms. �Merely a collection of mental processes that operate outside of awareness, but not suppressing info or working at odds with consciousness.

Daydreaming �Daydreaming – A common (and quite normal) variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from the immediate situation.

Sleep �Mysterious in many ways �Perceptual window still open: �Move about your bed but you don’t fall out. �Roaring vehicles may not disturb your sleep, but a baby’s cry wakes you instantly. �The sound of your name wakes you!

Circadian Rythms �Circadian Rhythms – Bodily patterns that repeat approximately every 24 hours, such as sleeping and waking. �Our biological clock. �Body temperature rises in the morning to wake us up, then falls at night to put us to sleep. �Disruptions: � Light � Staying up late � Sleeping in late

Sleep Stages � 5 Stages �Stage 1 – Hallucinations occur: Falling, floating, being pinned down. Start to relax. �Stage 2 – Sometimes sleep walking occurs, you become more relaxed. �Stage 3 and Stage 4 – Deep sleep, hard to awaken. �Stage 5 – REM Sleep. Eyes move rapidly, heart rate and blood flow increase.

Sleep Paralysis �Sleep Paralysis – A condition in which a sleeper is unable to move any of the voluntary muscles, except those controlling the eyes. �Normally occurs during REM sleep.

Why sleep? �Sleep affects: �Memory �Concentration �Mood �Hunger �Immune System �If you struggle with any of these things, add 1 hour of sleep per night and they will improve!!!

Why Sleep? �Sleep: �Helps us recuperate �Makes memories �Feeds creative thinking �Plays a role in the growth process

Sleep Debt �Sleep Debt – A sleep deficiency caused by not getting the amount of sleep that one requires for optimal functioning.

Sleep Disorders �Insomnia – Persistent problems in falling or staying asleep. �Narcolepsy – Experience periodic, overwhelming sleepiness. �Sleep Apnea – Trouble breathing during sleep. �Night Terrors – Deep sleep episodes that seem to produce terror.

Dreams �Start during REM Sleep �Humans spend 600 Hours a year dreaming, experience 1500 dreams a year, and more than 100, 000 dreams in a lifetime.

What We Dream �Dreams – Hallucinations of the sleeping mind. �Manifest Content - The story line of a dream, taken at face value without interpretation. �Latent Content – The symbolic meaning of objects and events in a dream. �Usually an interpretation based on Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.

Why We Dream �To satisfy our own wishes. �To file away memories. �To develop and preserve neural pathways. �To make sense of neural static. �To reflect cognitive Development.

Activation-Synthesis Theory �Activation Synthesis Theory – The theory that dreams begin with random electrical activation coming from the brain stem �Dreams, then, are the brain’s attempt to make sense of – to synthesize – this random activity.

Hypnosis �Hypnosis – An induced state of awareness, usually characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention. �Uses of hypnosis

Meditation �Meditation – A state of consciousness often induced by focusing on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions, and minimizing external stimulation. �May be intended to enhance self – knowledge, well-being, and spirituality.

Psychoactive Drugs �Psychoactive Drugs – Chemicals that affect mental processes and behavior by their effects on the brain.

Psychoactive Drugs �Hallucinogens – Drugs that create hallucinations or alter perceptions of the external environment and inner awareness.

Opiates �Opiates – Highly addictive drugs, derived from opium, that can produce a profound sense of well-being and have strong pain-relieving properties.

Depressants �Depressants – Drugs that slow down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.

Stimulants �Stimulants – Drugs that arouse the central nervous system, speeding up mental and physical responses.

Psychoactive Drugs �Tolerance – The reduced effectiveness a drug has after repeated use.

Psychoactive Drugs �Physical Dependence – A process by which the body adjusts to, and comes to need, a drug for its everyday functioning.

Psychoactive Drugs �Addiction – A condition in which a person continues to use a drug despite its adverse effects – often despite repeated attempts to discontinue using the drug. �Can be physical or psychological

Psychoactive Drugs �Withdrawal – A pattern of uncomfortable or painful physical symptoms and cravings experienced by the user when the level of drug is decreased or the drug is eliminated.

Psychoactive Drugs �Psychological dependence – A desire to obtain and use a drug even though there is no physical dependence.