Which brain waves indicate a calm and restful state, often occurring during meditation or relaxation?

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Get ready for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Exam. Practice with hints and explanations to improve your understanding. Master your exam preparation today!

Alpha waves are associated with a calm and restful state of mind, often observed during periods of relaxation, meditation, or when a person is awake but in a tranquil state. These brain waves generally have a frequency range of 8 to 12 Hz and are prominent when a person is relaxed but still alert. During activities such as meditation, alpha activity increases, reflecting a state of peacefulness and reduced mental activity.

In contrast, delta waves are linked to deep sleep, theta waves are related to light sleep and the early stages of sleep, and beta waves indicate active thinking, problem solving, and focused mental activity. Thus, alpha waves specifically encapsulate the essence of a calm, relaxed state, making them the correct choice.