Psychology - Psychology Consciousness - Quick Guides

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Study GuidePsychology–Psychology: Consciousness1.Circadian Rhythms1.1What Are Circadian Rhythms?Circadian rhythmsareregular, repeating changes in biological processesthat follow a24-hourcycle.These rhythms help organize many of the body’s daily activities.The most familiar circadian rhythm is thesleep–wake cycle, but circadian rhythms affect much morethan sleep.1.2Body Functions Controlled by Circadian RhythmsCircadian rhythms influence several important body processes, including:•sleep and wakefulness•body temperature, which rises and falls during the day•blood pressure•levels of alertness and fatigueThese rhythms help the body function efficiently by matching internal activity to the time of day.1.3Role of Light and DarknessCircadian rhythms are closely related to thenatural cycle of day and night.Light helps signal when it is time to be awake, and darkness helps signal when it is time to sleep.However, circadian rhythms arenot completely dependent on light.

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Study Guide1.4Circadian Rhythms Without Normal LightResearch shows that even when people are placed in unusual environments—such as places withconstant light or darkness, likeAntarctica—circadian rhythms continue.•In these conditions, the cycle shifts slightly•Rhythms often follow a25-hour cycle instead of 24 hours•This shows that circadian rhythms are controlled by aninternal biological clock1.5Circadian Rhythms in Other AnimalsCircadian rhythms are found inmany animal species, not just humans.However, there areimportant differences between species.Examples:•Horses, cattle, and cats sleepmuch morethan humans•Each species has rhythms adapted to its survival needs1.6Importance for PsychologyCircadian rhythms are especially important to psychologists because they influence:•alertness•attention•reaction time•levels of consciousnessChanges in circadian rhythms can affect how well people respond toenvironmental stimulation,such as studying, working, or driving.Key Points to Remember•Circadian rhythms follow a roughly 24-hour cycle•They regulate sleep, temperature, and blood pressure•Rhythms continue even without normal light cues•Humans and animals both have circadian rhythms•These rhythms affect alertness and consciousness

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Study Guide2.Procedures for Changing Consciousness2.1Changing Levels of ConsciousnessA person’slevel of consciousnesscan be changed in different ways. These changes may occurthroughinternal processes(methods that come from within the individual) orexternal processes(factors such as drugs or chemicals from the environment).2.2Internal ProcessesInternal methods change consciousnesswithout using drugs. These techniques often promoterelaxation and increased mental focus.2.3HypnosisHypnosisis a procedure in which a hypnotist guides a person into adeeply relaxed and highlysuggestible state.•The person remains conscious•Attention becomes narrowly focused•The individual may respond more strongly to suggestions2.4MeditationMeditationinvolves deliberatelynarrowing attention.•The person focuses on breathing, a sound, or a thought•This produces feelings ofcalmness and relaxation•Meditation can reduce stress and increase self-awareness2.5BiofeedbackBiofeedbackis a technique related to meditation.

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Study Guide•Bodily processes such asheart rate, skin temperature, or brain wavesare measured•The individual learns tocontrol these processes•Biofeedback is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress2.6External ProcessesExternal factors—especiallychemical substances (drugs)—can also change levels ofconsciousness.Environmental conditions, such as poor ventilation, can sometimes increase or alter the effects ofthese chemicals.Drugs are used both:•medically, to treat illness or pain•recreationally, to change mood or awareness2.7Drugs Used in Medicine and Daily LifeGeneral AnestheticsGeneral anestheticsare used during major surgery to producetotal unconsciousness.•Examples include halothane and nitrous oxide2.8Analgesics (Painkillers)Analgesic drugsreduce pain.•Examples includemorphine, other opiates, andaspirin•Morphine and opiates can also:ochange moodobe addictiveAddictioninvolves:•physical or psychological dependence•discomfort when the drug is not available•tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to get the same effect

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Study Guide2.9Tranquilizers (Anti-Anxiety Drugs)Tranquilizersreduce anxiety and promote calmness.•They are among the most commonly prescribed mood-altering drugs•A major group includesbenzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam)2.10DepressantsDepressantsslow down the central nervous system and produce relaxation.•Examples includebarbituratesandalcohol•Alcohol is widely used in beer, wine, and liquor•Both alcohol and barbiturates can be addictive2.11StimulantsStimulantsincrease activity in the central nervous system.Common stimulants include:•cocaine•amphetamine•nicotine•caffeine2.12Cocaine and Amphetamines•Both block thereuptake of neurotransmitters•They produce feelings ofeuphoria and alertness•Cocaine can be used medically as alocal anesthetic•Recreational use can lead to addiction

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