lesson 2 measuring physiological responses 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Practice Exam Question
Question 3
Two boys, Jason and Eric, were playing football at school. Jason fell
to the ground and hit his head. After the fall, Jason was able to
speak but seemed confused. Eric wanted to determine whether
Jason was experiencing an altered
state of consciousness.
a. Describe one characteristic of an altered state of consciousness.
How could Eric use this to determine Jason’s
state of consciousness?
2 marks
2012 VCAA
Exam
Psychological construct
A phenomena that is believed to exist but cannot be
directly measured
We cannot directly measure
consciousness
Instead using a range of other measures we can
hypothesise about what states of consciousness might
be experienced
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
The EEG measures electrical activity in the
localised areas of the brain. Electrodes are
attached to the surface of the scalp and the activity
of the brain is measured
Brainwaves can indicate an altered state
of consciousness.
Did anybody see today/tonight episode on this?
Beta
• High frequency, and low amplitude
• Associated with normal waking
consciousness and focused attention
Alpha waves
• High frequency, but slower than beta
• Low amplitude, but slightly higher than
Beta
• Associated with relaxed mediative state
Theta waves
• Medium frequency, slower than alpha
and beta
• Mixture of high and low amplitude waves
• Associated with early or light sleep
EOG
An electro-oculargram (EOG) detects, amplifies
and records electrical activity of the muscles
near the eye.
A high level of electrical activity
indicates REM sleep. A low
level of electrical activity
indicates NREM sleep.
EMGEMG (electromyograph) detects, amplifies
and records electrical activity of the muscles
in the body.
Very little or no activity indicates REM
sleep. An increase in activity indicates
NREM sleep.
Heart Rate
In ASC heart rate can vary.
For example, with the use of
stimulants, the heart rate
increase. In other ASC such
as meditation heart rate can
decrease.
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
Measures the electrical conductivity of the skin
GSR may increase or decrease
from normal level when an
individual’s arousal is
heightened or reduced, as in an
altered sate of consciousness.
Thermomete
r
Measures Body Temperature
Body temperature may increase
or decrease from normal level,
indicative of an altered state of
consciousness. For example, in
sleep body temp gradually drops
when drifting off into deep sleep
Video Camera
Very little, or no body
movement indicates REM
sleep. An increase in
movement indicates NREM
sleep.
Monitor and record externally observable (or audio)
physiological responses durning sleep
Essential Learning Activities
Activity 1 - Make a model of brain wave patterns.
For each brainwave pattern you must build a model with the materials provided. You
then must complete the following:
• Identify the brain wave pattern
• Describe the brain wave pattern in terms of its frequency and amplitude. For
example, high frequency.
• Explain what the brainwave is associated with. For example, NWC or ASC.