Introduction to Psychology - Ch. 7, 12, & 10

How is the process of memory different from earlier explanations?

• Earlier explanations of memory say that memory is exact (we now know that it is not exact because people cannot recall some memories accurately, especially when there is a lot of emotion involved with the memory).

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Explain the difference between retroactive interference and proactive interference and use examples.

• Retroactive interference is when you tend to forget things that you learned previously when learning something new.

• (Retro) For example, I will probably forget the script that I am memorizing now for cornhuskin’ when I have to learn a new script next month.

• Proactive interference is when you cannot remember things you are learning now because of things you have memorized from the past.

• (Pro) An example of this would be calling your new wife by your old wife’s name…

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What are ways to improve encoding?

• ~ One way to improve encoding would be to take short breaks while studying.

• ~ For example, it is better to study for 3 sets of 20 mins with a 5 min break in between each 20 mins then to study for 60 mins straight.

• * Another thing you can do is avoid cramming.

• * So instead of only studying the night before a quiz you study a little bit every day the week leading up to the test.

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What is consciousness?

• Consciousness is the state of being aware of one’s surroundings, including the sensations, perceptions, memories, & feelings you are aware of in an instant.

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How do we measure consciousness?

• We measure consciousness through first person reports of events.

• If a greater portion of your brain is required for a particular experience, then you are more likely conscious.

• Additionally, sensory experiences increase brain activity which accounts for your level of consciousness.

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Explain morning vs evening people.

• Morning people enjoy being awake in the morning more whereas evening people enjoy being awake in the evening more.

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How do morning & evening people differ by age?

• Older people tend to be morning people because of their hormones.

• Older people’s bodies tend to produce less melatonin than those younger than them.

• Teenagers tend to stay up later because of their hormones as well.

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What are theories of why we sleep?

• One theory of why we sleep is the Energy Conservation Theory which states that we sleep so that we can conserve energy which is essential to operate.

• The Evolutionary Theory states that we sleep because our ancestors needed sleep in order to be awake & alert when anything dangerous were happening (aka a snake trying to attack us).

• The Repair & Restoration theory of sleep states that sleep allows the body time to recover from the previous day’s excursions.

• Sleep is important so that our learning & memory can be strengthened.

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What are the stages of sleep?

• NREM Stage 1 is the first stage where you are in the transitional period between wakefulness & sleep.

• NREM Stage 2 is the second stage where the body first starts to produce sleep spindles.

• The NREM Stage 3 is the third stage where the deepest sleep occurs.

• The fourth stage of sleep is the REM stage where your eyes move rapidly (Rapid Eye Movement) & you dream.

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Explain the James-Lange and Schachter-Singer theories of emotion.

• ~ The James-Lange theory states that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events.

• ~ The James-Lange Theory believes that your interpretation of a stimulus evokes autonomic changes & sometimes muscle actions.

• * The Schachter-Singer theory states that first an environmental stimulus elicits a physiological response.

• * After that, we acknowledge this physiological response & try to put a label on it.

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