This review focuses on Unit 5 of the AP Psychology curriculum.
Key topics include different states of consciousness, sleep and dreams, hypnosis, and psychoactive drugs.
States of Consciousness
Consciousness
Awareness of ourselves and our environment.
Exists on a spectrum from fully awake to various altered states.
Sleep and Dreams
Importance of Sleep
Essential for physical and mental restoration.
Different stages of sleep include REM and non-REM, each serving unique functions.
Dreams
Occur primarily in REM sleep.
Various theories explain dreams: Freud's wish-fulfillment, information processing, physiological function, activation-synthesis, and cognitive development.
Hypnosis
Definition and Uses
A state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation.
Used for pain control, therapy, and improving focus.
Controversies
Debate over whether hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness or a form of social influence.
Psychoactive Drugs
Categories
Depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids.
Effects on the Brain
Alter brain chemistry, affecting mood, perception, and behavior.
Can lead to psychological and physical dependence.
Key Terms
Tolerance: Need for increased amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal: Symptoms experienced when discontinuing a drug.
Dependence: Physical or psychological need for a drug.
Important Figures
Sigmund Freud: Dream theories and psychoanalysis.
Ernest Hilgard: Research on hypnosis and dissociation theory.
Study Tips
Understand key concepts and their applications.
Practice with past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the format and style of questions.
Utilize mnemonic devices to aid in memorization of terms and theories.