Consciousness Chapter 4 Consciousness A state of awareness

Consciousness Chapter 4

Consciousness • A state of awareness of ourselves and of the world around us. • Your consciousness consists of whatever you happen to be aware of at any given moment in timethoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions of the outside world.

States of Consciousness • Levels of consciousness range from alert wakefulness to deep sleep. • At times during the day we are in a state of focused awareness in which we are alert to the task at hand. • Other times, our consciousness is wandering and daydreaming • For roughly 1/3 of the day we are sleeping, when our awareness is dimmed.

William James • Regarded as the father of American Psychology. • Interested in the nature of consciousness. • Described consciousness as a stream of thoughts that flowed continuously like a river.

5 States of Consciousness • Focused Awareness: A state of being fully absorbed in the task at hand. • Level of Alertness/Attention: High; fully awake and alert • Examples: Learning a new skill, studying, watching an engrossing movie

5 States of Consciousness • Drifting Consciousness: A state of awareness characterized by drifting thoughts or mental imagery • Levels of Alertness/Attention: Variable or shifting • Examples: Daydreaming, letting thoughts wander

5 States of Consciousness • Divided Consciousness: Attention on two or more tasks or activities performed at the same time (multitasking). • Level of Alertness/Attention: Medium; attention split between two activities • Examples: Thinking of things while exercising or driving a car.

5 States of Consciousness • Sleeping and Dreaming • Level of Alertness/Attention: Low • Examples: During sleep, the person is generally unaware of external surroundings but may respond to certain stimuli

5 States of Consciousness • Waking states of altered consciousness: • Level of Alertness/Attention: Variable • Examples: Changes in consciousness associated with hypnosis, meditation, and drug use • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=KRUdkx. QOq. WM&safe ty_mode=true&safe=active&persist_safety_mode=1