copyright © allyn & bacon 2007 chapter 5 states of consciousness this multimedia product and...

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Chapter 5Chapter 5

States of Consciousness

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• ISBN: 0-131-73180-7


How is ConsciousnessHow is ConsciousnessRelated to Other Mental Related to Other Mental

Processes?Processes?

Consciousness can take many forms, while other mental processes occur

simultaneously outside our awareness


What Consciousness Does For UsWhat Consciousness Does For Us

Restricts our attention

Combines sensation with learning and memory

Allows us to create a mental model of the world that we can manipulate


Levels ofLevels ofConsciousnessConsciousness

Conscious

Preconscious

Unconscious

NonconsciousN

onco

nsci

ous



Conscious – Brain process of which we are aware

Nonconscious – Brain process that does not involve conscious processing (e.g. heart rate, breathing, control of internal organs)


Unconscious – Many levels of processing that occur without awareness


Preconscious – Information that is not currently in consciousness, but can be brought into consciousness if attention is called to it


What Cycles OccurWhat Cycles Occurin Everydayin Everyday

Consciousness?Consciousness?

Consciousness changes in cycles that correspond to our

biological rhythms and the patterns of stimulation in our

environment


What Cycles OccurWhat Cycles Occurin Everydayin Everyday

Consciousness?Consciousness?

Daydreaming – A common variation of consciousness in which attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies and away from the immediate situation


Sleep and DreamingSleep and Dreaming

Circadian rhythms –Psychological patterns that repeat approximately every 24 hours

The sleep cycle involves:REM sleep

Non-REM (NREM) sleep

REM-sleep deprivation leads to REM rebound


The Sleep CycleThe Sleep Cycle


The Function of SleepThe Function of Sleep

Possible functions of sleep include:

• To conserve energy

• To restore the body (neurotransmitters, neuron sensitivity)

• To build “neural nets” and flush out useless information from the brain


The Need for SleepThe Need for Sleep

Over the years, the need for REM sleep decreases considerably, while the need for

NREM sleep diminishes less sharply


Sleep Debt vs. The Circadian ClockSleep Debt vs. The Circadian Clock

Sleep debt –Deficiency caused by not getting the amount of sleep that one requires for optimal functioning


Why We Dream: Why We Dream: A Cross-Cultural PerspectiveA Cross-Cultural Perspective

Folk theories

Scientific approach• Dreams as meaningful events• Dreams as random brain activity


Dreams as Meaningful EventsDreams as Meaningful Events

Freud believed dreams served the following two functions:• To guard sleep• To serve as sources of wish fulfillment

Dream content• Varies by culture, gender, and age• Frequently connects with recent experience• May help us form memories


Dreams as Random Dreams as Random Brain ActivityBrain Activity

Activation-synthesis theory – Theory that dreams begin with random electrical activation coming from brain stem; dreams are brain’s attempt to make sense of this random activity


Sleep DisordersSleep Disorders

Insomnia – Involves insufficient sleep, the inability to fall asleep quickly, frequent arousals, or early awakenings

Sleep apnea – Respiratory disorder in which person intermittently stops breathing while asleep


Cataplexy – Sudden loss of muscle control that occurs before narcoleptic sleep attack; waking form of sleep paralysis


Narcolepsy – Involves sudden REM sleep attacks accompanied by cataplexy



Night terrors – The screaming of a child in deep sleep, who, once awakened, has no memory of what mental events might have caused the fear


What Other Forms Can What Other Forms Can Consciousness Take?Consciousness Take?

An altered state of consciousness occurs when

some aspect of normal consciousness is modified by mental, behavioral, or

chemical means


What Other Forms Can What Other Forms Can Consciousness Take?Consciousness Take?

Hypnosis

Meditation

Psychoactive drug states


HypnosisHypnosis

Hypnosis – Induced state of altered awareness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and deep relaxation

Hypnotizability – Degree to which an individual is responsive to hypnotic suggestions


Hypnosis As anHypnosis As anAltered StateAltered State

Experts disagree about whetherhypnosis involvesA distinct state of consciousness

Heightened motivation

Social processes such as role playing

A dissociate state (Hilgard’s “hidden observer” view)


Practical Uses forPractical Uses forHypnosisHypnosis

Hypnosis can have practical uses forResearchers

Psychological treatment

Medical and dental treatmentHypnotic analgesia –

Diminished sensitivity to pain while under hypnosis


MeditationMeditation

Meditation – Form of consciousness change induced by focusing on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions and minimizing external stimulation


HallucinogensHallucinogens

StimulantsStimulantsDepressantsDepressants

OpiatesOpiates

Psychoactive Drug StatesPsychoactive Drug States

Psychoactive drugs – Chemicals that affect mental processes and behavior by their effects on the nervous system


Alter perceptions of the external environment and inner awareness

(also called psychedelics)

• Mescaline• LSD• PCP• Cannabis

HallucinogensHallucinogens


Highly addictive; produce a sense of well-being and have strong pain-relieving properties

• Morphine• Codeine• Heroin• Methadone

OpiatesOpiates


Slow down mental and physical activity by inhibiting transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system

• Barbiturates• Benzodiazepines

(e.g. Valium)• Alcohol

DepressantsDepressants


Arouse the central nervous system, speeding up mental and physical responses

• Cocaine• Amphetamines• Methamphetamine• MDMA (ecstasy)• Caffeine• Nicotine

StimulantsStimulants


End of Chapter 5End of Chapter 5

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