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Consciousness
Learning Objectives

After completing this chapter you should be able to:

  1. Define consciousness and describe at least three processes that influence this state of awareness.
  2. Explain the concept of selective attention and give examples of selective attention.
  3. Describe the phenomenon of divided attention and discuss how the distinction between effortful and automatic processing explains this ability.
  4. Consider whether it is possible to experience influence without awareness. Explain how mere exposure and priming may influence preferences and behavior.
  5. Explain the difference between biological rhythms and circadian rhythms. Discuss the human sleep-wake cycle and whether it is determined by endogenous (internal) or environmental (outside patterns of lightness and darkness) forces.
  6. Consider the relation between the sleep-wake cycle, night work (and other disruptions of the cycle), and health.
  7. List the stages of sleep and identify the EEG patterns associated with each stage.
  8. Distinguish between REM and NREM sleep.
  9. Consider two theories about why animals sleep.
  10. Describe the nature of dreams and discuss the content of dreams. Consider the factors that influence the content of dreams.
  11. Distinguish between the Freudian theory of dream interpretation and the activation-synthesis approach to understanding dreams.
  12. List and describe the major sleep disturbances, including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, and other parasomnias.
  13. Define hypnosis and explain the stages involved in hypnosis.
  14. Discuss which factors are related to hypnotic responsiveness.
  15. Examine research on the myths and realities of hypnosis (e.g., coercion, pain relief, posthypnotic suggestion, and memory enhancement).
  16. Discuss whether hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness by comparing special-process theories and social-cognitive theories.
  17. Define the concepts of physical and psychological dependence.
  18. Discuss the physical and psychological effects of sedatives, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates.
  19. Discuss whether it is possible to control consciousness, and consider methods used to focus attention (e.g., meditation).



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