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psychology unit3 ch3
methods of studying consciousness
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Alpha waves | The typical brainwave pattern (reasonable high frequency - but not as high as beta waves - and low amplitude - but slightly higher than beta waves) that occurs when awake but very relaxed. |
Amplitude | In terms of brain waves, the height of the peaks and troughs of the curved graph that represents brain wave activity. |
Artificial environment | A place that is unfamiliar and contrived. |
Beta waves | Typical brainwave pattern (high frequency - fast - and low amplitude - small) during NWC, associated with being alert, active, anxious and paying (selective) attention. |
Delta waves | The typical brainwave pattern (a steady pattern of low frequency - slow - and high amplitude - large) associated with NREM deep sleep. |
Electroencephalograph (EEG) | A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the form of brain-waves. |
Electromyograph (EMG) | A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of heart muscles. |
Electrooculargraph (EOG) | A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that allow the eye to move. |
Frequency | In terms of brain waves, the number of brain waves per second. |
Galvanic skin response | The physiological response that indicates the electrical conductivity of the skin. |
K-complexes | Brain wave patterns that consist of a sharp rise and fall in amplitude, lasting for about 2 seconds on the EEG. Indicative of stage 2 NREM sleep, occurring about once a minute although can be triggered by external stimuli (such as a loud noise). |
Natural environment | A setting that is familiar and where the experience normally occurs. |
Objective measures | Physical measurement that is free of bias, such as height. |
Physiological measurements | The observation of a measurable bodily (physical or physiological) response (such as heart rate, brainwave activity and GSR) |
Polysomnogram | A continuously moving chart that displays data collected simultaneously from EEG, EOG, EMG and any other devices. |
Sawtooth waves | Associated with REM sleep; a special type of theta-like brainwave pattern that resemble the blade of a saw that may be found amongst the random and fast beta-like waves, especially when there is a burst of rapid eye movement. |
Self-reports | Statements and answers to questions made by the participants concerning their thoughts and feelings. |
Sleep laboratory | A place used for scientific research on sleep that usually resembles a bedroom. |
Sleep spindles | Brain wave patterns that consist of rapid bursts of high frequency, often associated with stage 2 NREM sleep but can be found in stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep. |
Subjective measurements | A personal evaluation that could be biased or difficult to compare with other measurements, such as reporting feelings. |
Theta waves | The typical brainwave pattern (medium frequency and mixed amplitude - some high, some low) during the early stages of sleep. |
Video monitoring | Now a common method used in sleep laboratories and in the person's own home to observe sleep. It uses infrared cameras that operate silently to allow footage to be seen and taped in the dark without disturbing the sleeping participant. |