Unit 2 Ch. 4, 5 & 6 Awareness Important Terms Sense: A system that translates information from outside the nervous system into neural activity Sensations: Messages from the senses Perception: The process of making sensations into meaningful experiences 2 Perceptual Processing Top-down processing: Those aspects of recognition that are guided by higher-level cognitive processes and psychological factors such as knowledge and expectations and desires 3 Top-Down Processing Information processing guided by higher-level mental processes as we construct perceptions, drawing on our experience and expectations. THE CHT 4 Perceptual Processing Bottom-up processing: Aspects of recognition that depend first on the information about the stimulus that comes up to the brain from the sensory receptors 5 Attention The process of directing and focusing psychological resources to enhance perception and performance Attention improves mental processing Attention takes effort Attention is limited 6 Attention We have lots of stimuli coming in. We can use selective attention to “tune in” to what we want to see or hear. But sometimes our attention controls us. Cocktail Party effect – when we hear our name, we suddenly pay attention to a conversation we were not following. 7 Transduction The process of converting the physical sensation into a neural transmission. When energy from the world (light, sound waves, heat, etc.) becomes pulses of neurons firing. 8 Perception video http://www.learner.org/series/discoveringpsychology/07/ e07expand.html Structures of the Ear The Cochlea where Transduction occurs 11 Localization of Sounds Because we have two ears, sounds that reach one ear faster than the other ear cause us to localize the sound. 12 Light waves and Sound waves For waves of light the wavelength/frequency determines the color of the light. ROYGBIV The amplitude determines the brightness or intensity of the light. For sound, wavelength/frequency determines the pitch of the sound. High frequency = high pitches The amplitude of the wave determines the loudness of the sound. An amp. 13 The Eye 14 Parts of the eye 1. Cornea: Transparent tissue where light enters the eye. 2. Iris: Muscle that expands and contracts to change the size of the opening (pupil) for light. 3. Lens: Focuses the light rays on the retina. 4. Retina: Contains rods and cones that do Transduction of light into neurons firing to the brain. 15 Photoreceptors: Rods and Cones Cones see Colors Concentrated in fovea (focal point in middle of retina) Rods sense light and dark Used most in low light Concentrated in peripheral areas 16 Optic Nerve, Blind Spot & Fovea Optic nerve: Carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain. Blind Spot: Point where the optic nerve leaves the eye because there are no receptor cells located there. This creates a blind spot. Fovea: Central point in the retina around which the eye’s cones cluster. 17 http://www.bergen.org Crossed visual field Trichromatic Theory of Color Vision Any color can be produced by mixing pure versions of blue, green, and red light in different ratios Problem: The trichromatic theory cannot explain some aspects of color vision, such as afterimages. 19 Opponent-Process Theory of Color Vision Visual elements sensitive to color are grouped into three pairs The members of each pair oppose, or inhibit, each other Three pairs are: red-green blue-yellow and black20 The Chemical Senses Olfaction detects airborne chemicals Our sense of smell Only sense that doesn’t go to thalamus. Goes to Amygdala Gustation detects chemicals that come into contact with receptors inside the mouth (tastebuds) Our sense of taste 21 Smell, Taste, and Flavor Most of properties that make food taste good are actually odors detected by olfactory system, not activities of the taste system Taste is also influenced by hunger. Food tastes better when you are hungrier. 22 Kinesthesia is the sense of where parts of the body are in space with respect to each other Necessary to guide movement Kinesthetic information comes primarily from the joints as well as muscles Kinesthetic Intelligince is one of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences 23 Gate Control Theory: There is a “gate” in the spinal chord that either permits or blocks the passage of pain impulses to the brain The “gate” can close the pain signal if something else is more important or another signal comes along – why we rub or shake injured areas. 24 Vestibular sense tells the brain about the position of the head in space and about its general movements Often referred to as the sense of balance Semicircular canals in ears act like levels 25 Absolute threshold: The minimum amount of stimulus energy that can be detected 50% of the time Subliminal stimuli: Stimuli below this threshold (sub = below, limi = limit, subliminal = below limit) Subliminal messages can NOT control your behavior 26 Some Absolute Thresholds 27 Why Does an “Absolute” Threshold Vary? Sensitivity refers to our ability to pick out a particular stimulus. It is influenced by: The intensity of the signal The capacity of sensory systems The amount of background stimulation, or “noise” 28 Signal-Detection Theory A model of perception that focuses on whether a signal (stimuli) was perceived or not Heavily influenced by expectations and situations. For example if you are expecting a phone call, you are more likely to hear your phone. But you are also more likely to mistake a phone on TV for your home phone. 29 Signal-Detection Theory Types of outcomes: “Hit”: Correctly detecting the stimulus “False alarm”: Reporting a stimulus is present when, in fact, it is not there “Miss”: Not reporting a stimulus that is present 30 Signal-Detection Theory Types of outcomes: “Hit”: phone rings, you answer “False alarm”: you pick up phone, but it wasn’t ringing “Miss”: phone rings, you don’t hear it. 31 Detecting Differences Between Stimuli Difference Threshold or Just- Noticeable Difference (JND): The smallest detectable difference in the stimulus. The point at which we are aware of a change. 32 Difference Threshold Weber’s Law: The smallest detectable difference in stimulus energy is a fraction (like a percentage) of the intensity of the stimulus. Examples: it takes 2% more or less weight to notice a change. It takes a noise that is 10% louder or quieter to notice. 33 Weber’s Fraction (K) for Different Stimuli 34 Sensory Adaptation: Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation. Put a band aid on your arm and after awhile you don’t sense it. Work with manure all day and you stop smelling it. 35 Perceptual Constancy We perceive things as constant and unchanging even as our sensations of them change When I dim the lights, colors coming in my eyes change, but I don’t think the items changed colors. When someone walks toward me they get bigger in my vision, but I know they are the same size just closer. 36 Gestalt psychologists showed that a figure formed a “whole” different than its surroundings. “Whole is greater than the sum of its parts” Figure – is what our focus sees Ground – is the background 37 Gestalt Principles of Perceptual Grouping 38 Why Do we use these Gestalt Grouping Principles? Likelihood principle: The principles reflect the way stimuli are likely to be organized in the natural world Simplicity principle: We organize stimulus elements in a way that gives us the simplest possible perception 39 Monocular Cues for Depth Perception Mon (one) ocular (eye) depth you can perceive with only one eye 40 Monocular Cues for Depth Perception Interposition: If one thing blocks another from view, that thing must be closer Relative Size:We know smaller is farther, we know how big things ought to be compared to each other 41 Monocular Cues for Depth Perception Linear Perspective: Parallel lines converge on horizon Reduced Clarity: Closer is clearer. Farther is fuzzier Height in the Visual Field: Generally, higher is farther away 42 Binocular depth cues Binocular Disparity: A depth cue based on the difference between the images received on the retina of the right eye and the left eye. How 3D Movies work Perception of Motion Looming: Rapid expansion in the size of an image so that it fills the retina Stroboscopic Motion: Tendency to perceive movement when a series of still images appear, one at a time, in rapid succession (cartoons, films) Phi Phenomenon:When lights flash one after the other they present illusions of motion. Neon signs and Christmas lights use this principle to create motion perception. 44 Chapter 5 Motivation and Needs Modules 11 & 12 What Is Motivation? Motivation: The factors that make us do things, motivation leads to behavior Biological factors Emotional factors Cognitive factors Social factors Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–46 Theories of Motivation Instinct Theory Drive Reduction Theory Arousal Theory Incentive Theory Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–47 Instinct Theory Instincts: Automatic, involuntary, and unlearned behavior patterns triggered by particular stimuli A number of human behaviors are present at birth Evolutionary approach suggests that such behaviors have evolved because they were adaptive for promoting human survival Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–48 Drive Reduction Theory and Homeostasis Homeostasis is the natural or balanced state we are normally in. Not too happy, not too sad. Not too hyper, not too tired. Not really hungry, not really full. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–49 According to Drive Reduction Theory, we experience motivation when we move away from Homeostasis, and take action to get back to Homeostasis. • Ex: Get hungry so we eat. We get stressed about a test so we study Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–50 Drive Reduction Theory and Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Homeostasis 11–51 Drive Reduction Theory Two types of drives Primary Drives: Drives that stem from biological needs e.g., the need for food or water Secondary Drives: Learned drives that motivate us to act as if we had an unmet basic need e.g., money Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–52 Arousal Theory Arousal: The general level of activity in several physiological systems People sometimes try to reduce arousal while other times try to increase arousal Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–53 Arousal Theory: People are motivated to behave in ways that keep them at their own optimal level of arousal Optimal level is higher for some than others People with naturally low arousal are the ones who become thrill-seekers Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–54 Arousal affects performance. •The more aroused (fired up) you are the better you will perform at easy or routine tasks. -Ex: Get fired up for weightlifting or most sports •However, more arousal leads to worse performance on complex or new tasks. -Ex: Stay calm for brain surgery and playing chess. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–55 Arousal and Performance Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–56 Incentive Theory: Emphasizes the role of external stimuli that motivate behavior People respond to incentives (rewards) to motivate behavior Ex: Pay bonuses at work, Luella Express Cards, Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–57 Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation Extrinsic Motivation: Behavior is motivated by a desire for external rewards, such as money or praise I’ll work longer, but only for more money Intrinsic Motivation: Behavior is motivated by internal satisfaction, no external force I work longer because I care about the outcome Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–58 Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation When you provide Extrinsic motivators (money) for something that previously was done for Intrinsic motivation (joy), you reduce the Intrinsic motivation Pro Athletes Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–59 Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation Extrinsic can reduce Intrinsic Example: I used to volunteer to tutor, then they started paying me. Then they ran out of money for the tutoring program and I won’t do it for free anymore. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–60 Hierarch of Needs Abraham Maslow (1970) suggested that certain needs have priority over others. Physiological needs like breathing, thirst, and hunger come before psychological needs such as achievement, selfesteem, and the need for recognition. (1908-1970) Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–61 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Motives (Needs) Source: Adapted from Maslow, 1943 Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–62 Biological Signals for Hunger and Satiety (fullness) Signals from the stomach Stomach cues can affect eating, but they do not always control it Stomach Cues appear to operate mainly when one is very hungry or very full Signals from the blood More precise signals about the body’s fuel level and nutrient needs are sent to the brain from the blood Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–63 Set point theory Set point theory says we have a “set point.” When we get below this level, we eat. When we get above this level we stop. Like a thermostat. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–64 Emotions Emotions are: Partly inner (mental) experiences Partly physiological (bodily systems) Emotions are a whole body experience Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–65 Three Basic Features of the Brain’s Control of Emotions Activity in the limbic system, especially in the amygdala, is central to various aspects of emotion Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–66 James-Lange Theory The James-Lange Theory proposes that physiological activity precedes the emotional experience. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–67 James-Lange Theory of Emotion I see a bear. I’m running and my heart is pounding. I must be afraid. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–68 Lie Detection James’ peripheral theory forms the basis for the lie detection industry If body reacts before mind, your body will give you away before your mind can control it. Specific patterns of physiological activity should accompany the anxiety or guilt associated with lying Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–69 Cannon-Bard Theory Walter Cannon and Phillip Bard questioned the James-Lange Theory and proposed that an emotion-triggering stimulus and the body's arousal take place simultaneously. -paralyzed people feel emotions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–70 Cannon-Bard Theory I see a bear. Simultaneously, I start to run and realize I am afraid Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–71 Two-Factor Theory Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer proposed yet another theory which suggests our physiology and cognitions create emotions. Emotions have two factors: physical arousal and cognitive label. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–72 Two-Factor Theory Schachter and Singer gave subjects adrenaline and put them in a waiting room. They did this in three conditions, one with no one else, one with a confederate posing as a subject who flipped out with anxiety, and one with a confederate who acted super happy. Guess what happened? Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–73 Cognitive Theories: Schachter-Singer Theory of Emotion Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–74 Schachter-Singer Theory (aka) Schachter Two Factor Theory I see a bear. I am excited because I am in a state park and in my car I am scared because I am lost in the woods, and I just frightened the bear’s cubs. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–75 Innate Expressions of Emotion Newborns display some unlearned facial expressions People in all cultures show similar facial responses to similar emotional stimuli Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–76 Culture and Emotional Expression When culturally diverse people were shown basic facial expressions, they did fairly well at recognizing them Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–77 Emotions are Adaptive Darwin speculated that our ancestors communicated with facial expressions in the absence of language. Nonverbal facial expressions led to our ancestor’s survival. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) 11–78 Social and Cultural Influences on Emotional Expression Not all emotion is universal. People learn to express certain emotions in ways specified by cultural rules Smiles can vary as people learn to use them to communicate certain feelings Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–79 Conflicting Motives and Stress Three basic types of motivational conflicts Approach-approach: Must choose only one of two desirable activities Avoidance-avoidance: Must select one of two undesirable alternatives Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–80 Conflicting Motives and Stress Three basic types of motivational conflicts Approach-avoidance: A single activity or event has both attractive and unattractive features Please note this is not a choice between a good option and a bad option. That wouldn’t create stress 11–81 Conflicting Motives and Stress Motivational conflicts may create stress Most in a motivational conflict are tense, irritable, and particularly vulnerable to physical and psychological problems Conflicts can even lead to depression or other serious disorders Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11–82 Stress Psychological states cause physical illness. Stress is any circumstance (real or perceived) that threatens a person’s wellbeing. Stress and Illness Stress can be adaptive. In a fearful or stress- causing situation, we can run away and save our lives. Stress can be maladaptive. If it is prolonged (chronic stress), it increases our risk of illness and health problems. Stress and Causes of Death Prolonged stress combined with unhealthy behaviors may increase our risk for one of today's four leading diseases. General Adaptation Syndrome According to Selye, a stress response to any kind of stimulation is similar. The stressed individual goes through three phases: •Alarm – something's need action •Resistance – I act •Exhaustion – I am worn out Personality Types Type A is a term used for competitive, harddriving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone people. Type B refers to easygoing, relaxed people Type A personalities are more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Explanatory Style People with an optimistic (instead of pessimistic) explanatory style tend to have more control over stressors, cope better with stressful events, have better moods, and have a stronger immune system. Chapter 6 Stress & Health Modules 13 & 14 Module 13 Effects of Stress Health Psychology A subfield of psychology that focuses on how stress affects our well being and our health Stress The process by which we perceive and respond to events that we appraise as threatening or challenging Is a process of perceiving and responding The events are called stressors. The response is called a stress reaction. Stress Play “What is Stress?” (4:17) Segment #35 from Psychology: The Human Experience. Module 13: Effects of Stress Stress: Responding to Stress Responding to Stress Responding to Stress Responding to Stress Hans Selye (1907-1982) Psychologist who researched recurring responses to stress Discovered various chemicals caused stress reactions in animals Developed the concept of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm Reaction – nervous system activated in response to stressor Resistance – body responds with physiological reactions to cope with the stressor Exhaustion – body’s resistance to stress is depleted (physical deterioration) General Adaptation Syndrome General Adaptation Syndrome General Adaptation Syndrome Hans Selye Interview Insert “Han’s Selye’s Stress Response Studies” Video #39 from Worth’s Digital Media Archive for Psychology. Instructions for importing the video file can be found in the ‘Readme’ file on the CD-ROM. Module 13: Effects of Stress Stress: Stressful Events Daily Stress Stress can be caused by: Typical demands of the day Living situations Economic difficulties Stress on the Job Insert “Stress on the Job” Video #38 from Worth’s Digital Media Archive for Psychology. Instructions for importing the video file can be found in the ‘Readme’ file on the CD-ROM. This clip is also in the Brain Series. Stress on the Job Play “Emotions, Stress, and Health” (10:59) Module #21 from The Brain: Teaching Modules (2nd edition). Part of this clip is also on Worth’s Digital Media Archive CD-ROM. Burnout Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion brought on by persistent stress Burnout can result in: Depression Decreased performance Cynicism Significant Life Changes Stress can be the result of personal life changes Death of a loved one Leaving home for college Can result in health problems Catastrophes Large scale stress events (i.e. earthquakes, floods, war, etc. Prolonged exposure can lead to physical and psychological problems. Module 13: Effects of Stress Effects of Perceived Control Perceived Control The sense of control or influence one has over stressful events in one’s life Most studies suggest the lower the perceived control the larger the potential for health-related problems Lower perceived control leads to a lowered immunity to disease. Control and Stress Play “Coping with Stress: Control and Predictability” (2:49) Module #22 from The Brain: Teaching Modules (2nd edition). Optimism A generally positive outlook on the future Optimists have stronger immune systems and recover faster from health problems. Opposite of pessimism Stress Hormones Hormones released in response to stress The body must work to rid the body of the stress hormones. Pessimism and perceived lack of control both produce more stress hormones. Module 13: Effects of Stress Stress and Disease: Cancer and Stress Stress-Cancer Connection Evidence for a connection is not conclusive. Two conclusions: Stress does not create cancer cells. Stress affects the body’s malignancyfighting ability. Cognition and Cancer Play “Cognition and the Immune System: Mind/Body Interaction” (10:20) Segment #4 from The Mind: Psychology Teaching Modules (2nd edition). Module 13: Effects of Stress Stress and Disease: Stress and Heart Problems Type A Individuals Individuals who are competitive, hard- driving, impatient, verbally aggressive, and anger-prone. More prone to heart attacks and other stress related illnesses Type B Individuals Individuals who are easygoing, laid- back, and relaxed Module 14 Promoting Wellness Martin Seligman (1942- ) American psychologist Proponent of positive psychology Former president of the APA Wellness The common result of a healthy lifestyle and healthy attitudes Module 14: Promoting Wellness Healthy Lifestyles: Exercise Benefits of Daily Exercise Effective in reducing anxiety and depression Leads to greater self confidence and self discipline Exercise and Mental Health (Adapted from McCann and Holmes, 1984) Module 14: Promoting Wellness Healthy Lifestyles: Family and Friends Benefits of Social Support Social support – makes people feel liked and wanted Social support leads to: Less physical problems More pleasure in life Longer life span Module 14: Promoting Wellness Healthy Lifestyles: The Faith Factor Benefits of Religious Activity Studies suggest those involved in religion tend to live longer Factors of religion contributing to longer life include: Religion promotes healthy lifestyles. Religious involvement offers social support. Many religions promote optimism. The Faith Factor Explained The Faith Factor Explained The Faith Factor Explained The Faith Factor Explained The Faith Factor Explained Module 14: Promoting Wellness Positive Experiences and Well-Being Positive Psychology Subfield of psychology that focuses on the study of optimal human functioning and the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive Well-being Concept that includes life satisfaction, feelings of fulfillment, pleasant emotions, and low level of unpleasant emotions Person judges life as satisfying, fulfilling, and “going well” Module 14: Promoting Wellness Positive Experiences and Well-Being: Flow Flow A state of optimal experience People do the activity for its own sake. For flow to occur: Must be a challenge requiring skill Have clear goals Provide feedback Module 14: Promoting Wellness Positive Experiences and Well-Being: Happiness Characteristics of Happy People High self-esteem Optimistic, outgoing, agreeable Close friendships or satisfying marriage Work and leisure that engages skills Meaningful religious faith Sleep well and exercise Module 14: Promoting Wellness Positive Experiences and Well-Being: Optimism Explanatory Style Our tendencies toward thinking positively or negatively about the causes of events Can be optimistic or pessimistic Optimism The tendency to expect the best Believe bad events are: Temporary Not their fault Will not have broader effects beyond the present circumstances Pessimism The tendency to expect the worst Tend to blame themselves for bad situations Tend to see the negative as permanent in nature Module 14: Promoting Wellness Overcoming Illness-Related Behaviors: Smoking Dangers of Smoking (World Health Organization, 1999) Nicotine The behavioral stimulant found in tobacco Withdrawal The discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing the use of an addictive drug such as nicotine 10 Guidelines to Quitting Smoking 1. Set a specific date to quit. 2. Inform other people of your plans. 3. Get rid of all cigarettes. 4. Review previous attempts to quit and anticipate challenges. 5. Use a nicotine patch or gum. 10 Guidelines to Quitting Smoking (continued) 6. Be totally abstinent. 7. Avoid alcohol. 8. Quit together with family or friends who also smoke (especially those at home or work). 9. Avoid places where others smoke. 10. Exercise regularly. Module 14: Promoting Wellness Overcoming Illness-Related Behaviors: Obesity Body Mass Index (BMI) A person’s weight in kilograms divided by their squared height in meters. U.S. guidelines suggest a person’s BMI should be below 25. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a BMI of 30 or over. Module 14: Promoting Wellness Overcoming Illness-Related Behaviors: Weight Control Fat Cells Average adult has 30 billion fat cells The cells enlarge as more calories are taken in. One pound of fat is the energy equivalent to 3500 calories. Dieting reduces the size of the cells but not the number of cells. Set Point The point at which an individual’s “weight thermostat” is supposedly set When the body falls below this weight, increased hunger and a lower metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight. Metabolic Rate The body’s resting rate of energy expenditure Rate varies from person to person with genetic influences Tips for Losing Weight Reduce exposure to tempting foods cues. Boost your metabolism. Be patient, realistic, and moderate. Permanently change the food you eat. Control your portions. Don’t skip breakfast and lunch. Set attainable goals.