Chapter 5Chapter 5
States of Consciousness
California Dreaming – The Mamas and the Papas
Why is the study of Why is the study of consciousness important?consciousness important?
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 Subconscious
Present Awareness
No Conscious Processing
Just below awareness
Past awareness
No awareness
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 deprivation leads to __________
The Sleep CycleThe Sleep Cycle
The Function of SleepThe Function of Sleep
Possible functions of sleep include:
• ______________________
• ______________________
• _______________________
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 do we dream?Why do we dream?
Sigmund Freud believed dreams served the following two functions:• To __________________• To ___________________
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
Sleep DisordersSleep Disorders
Narcolepsy – Involves sudden REM sleep attacks accompanied by cataplexy
Sleep DisordersSleep Disorders
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 for___________________________
___________________________
____________________________
Hypnotic 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