Define consciousness and give an example.
Awareness of ourselves and our environment. Example: Being alert during a lecture.
Define dual processing and give an example.
The principle that information is processed on both conscious and unconscious tracks. Example: Driving while thinking about dinner plans.
Define explicit memory and give an example.
Memory of facts and experiences we can consciously recall. Example: Remembering your birthday.
Define implicit memory and give an example.
Unconscious memory of skills and procedures. Example: Riding a bike.
Define inattentional blindness and give an example.
Failing to see visible objects when attention is elsewhere. Example: Missing a gorilla walking through a basketball game.
Define change blindness and give an example.
Failing to notice changes in the environment. Example: Not noticing a new haircut on a friend.
Define selective attention and give an example.
Focusing conscious awareness on a particular stimulus. Example: Tuning out background noise while studying.
Define cocktail party effect and give an example.
Ability to focus on one voice among many. Example: Hearing your name across a crowded room.
Who spends more time daydreaming?
Children and young adults tend to daydream more than older adults.
How do male and female sexual daydreams differ?
Males often focus on physical aspects; females include emotional and relational themes.
What is a fantasy-prone personality and how does it manifest?
A person who spends much time fantasizing; may confuse imagination with reality.
Why do we daydream?
To rehearse future events, relieve boredom, or express hidden desires.
What might daydreaming be a substitute for?
Real-life social interaction, achievement, or emotional fulfillment.
What is our circadian rhythm and how does it affect us?
A 24-hour biological cycle regulating sleep, body temperature, and alertness.
Stage 1 of sleep: characteristics
Light sleep; may experience hallucinations or muscle jerks.
Stage 2 of sleep: characteristics
Deeper sleep; sleep spindles appear; body temperature drops.
Stage 3 of sleep: characteristics
Beginning of deep sleep; delta waves emerge.
Stage 4 of sleep: characteristics
Deepest sleep; hard to wake; restorative processes occur.
REM sleep: characteristics
Rapid eye movement; vivid dreams; brain activity resembles wakefulness.
What is the purpose of sleep?
Restores body, consolidates memory, supports growth and immune function.
How much do we sleep?
Adults average 7–9 hours per night.
How does lack of sleep affect our bodies?
Impairs memory, concentration, immune function, and increases risk of illness.
What can dreaming do for us?
Process emotions, consolidate memories, and stimulate creativity.
Describe insomnia.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
