AP Psych Unit 5 FRQ

One of the ways psychologists study the nature of consciousness is by closely examining how consciousness is altered by substances and experiences. A. Define consciousness in your own words, and provide an example from your life that applies to this definition. B. Explain how the following experiences or substances impact consciousness, using the definition provided in part A. • Sleep deprivation • Circadian rhythm • Post-hypnotic suggestion • Opiates

A. Consciousness is the state of being awake and aware of external stimuli and one's own mental activity. Ex. "I can feel the pen in my hand right now writing this answer, and my awareness of the pen demonstrates that I am conscious." B. Sleep deprivation: Sleep deprivation causes irritability, difficulty concentrating, and interferes with memory processes. These changes in mood and thinking influence consciousness by impacting our awareness of the world and how we interact with others and the environment. Circadian rhythm: The cycle of changes in body temperature and metabolism over a day can influence our awareness of the environment. Some people are more awake and aware in the morning or evening. This increased awareness at specific times during the day or night impacts awareness of the environment, impacting consciousness. Post-hypnotic suggestion: If people experience a post-hypnotic suggestion after being hypnotized, it dramatically influences their consciousness. A post-hypnotic suggestion can influence behavior without a person being consciously aware of this influence. This "divided consciousness" demonstrates that our conscious experiences isn't one overall awareness of the environment, but rather layers or levels of awareness. Opiates: Opiates are psychoactive drugs that depress neural functioning and impact the brain's endorphin system. Opiate use is associated with intense euphoric feelings, which drastically impacts our awareness of the outside environment, changing our consciousness.

When does sleeptalking occur?

any stage

When does sleepwalking usually occur?

NREM-3