VCE Psychology Unit 4 AOS 1

VCE Psychology Unit 4 AOS 1.Alpha brain wave pattern ANSWER- brain wave pattern that is regular or 'rhythmic' in appearance, with a medium to relatively high frequency with low amplitude. Most commonly produced when we are awake and alert but mentally and physically relaxed and internally focused Altered State of Consciousness ANSWER- a condition of awareness that is distinctly different from normal waking consciousness in terms of level of awareness and experience Attention ANSWER- generally refers to a concentration of mental activity that involves focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring and therefore excluding other stimuli Automatic process ANSWER- requires little conscious awareness and mental effort, minimal attention, and does not interfere with the performance of other activities; compare with controlled process Beta brain wave pattern ANSWER- fastest of the brain waves; associated with alertness and intensive mental activity during normal waking consciousness. Present during states of tension, anxiety, threat and fear. Comprises high-frequency (fast) and low amplitude (small) brain waves Blood alcohol concentration ANSWER- measure of alcohol in the body expressed as grams of alcohol/100 mL of blood Cognitive task ANSWER- task that requires mental processes and that has an easily specified correct outcome Consciousness ANSWER- awareness of objects and events in the external world, and of our sensations, mental experiences and own existence at any given moment Continuum of consciousness ANSWER- continuum with two extremes — total awareness and complete lack of awareness. In between are other states of awareness Controlled process ANSWER- conscious, alert awareness; compare with automatic process Delta brain wave pattern ANSWER- slowest of all the brain waves, have a pattern of low frequency (slow) and high (large) amplitude. Most commonly associated with deep, dreamless sleep or unconsciousness Depressant ANSWER- a drug that decreases activity in the central nervous system and the rest of the body; compare with stimulant