PSYC 2000 Chapter : 4 Consciousness
Document Summary
Internal process people use to set priorities for mental functioning: the resources of the brain and nervous system are limited, how can you measure attention?, one method is called dichotic listening. 2 ear tasks : how do we know what happens to the material that is unattended?, the brain does not simply filter out what goes on in the unattended message. It focuses the spotlight of attention: some unconscious monitoring of the rest of the environment. Sleep: sleep patterns, follow natural circadian rhythm, but we often disrupt this rhythm. Jet lag: are there consequences to disrupting the rhythm, cant concentrate, can wear down immune system and get sick, rhythm of sleep, circadian rhythms occur on a 24-hour cycle and include sleep and wakefulness. Light triggers suprachiasmatic nucleus to decrease melatonin from pineal gland and increases it at night fall: sleep deprivation, effects of sleep loss, fatigue, slowed performance.
