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