5.2 Altered states of consciousness

Question 1

Hypnosis

Answer 1

a procedure of inducing a heightened state of suggestibility

Question 2

Dissociation theory

Answer 2

explains hypnosis as a unique state in which consciousness is divided into two parts: a lower-level system (perception and movement) + an “executive” system that evaluates and monitors these behaviours

Question 3

Social-cognitive theory

Answer 3

explains hypnosis by emphasizing the degree to which beliefs and expectations contribute to increased suggestibility

Question 4

Mind-wandering

Answer 4

an unintentional redirection of attention from the current task to an unrelated train of thought

Question 5

Default mode network

Answer 5

a network of brain regions that is most active when an individual is awake but not responding to external stimuli

Question 6

Brain death

Answer 6

a condition in which the brain, (brainstem), no longer functions

Question 7

Coma

Answer 7

a state marked by a complete loss of consciousness

Question 8

Persistent vegetative state

Answer 8

a state of minimal to no consciousness in which the patient’s eyes may be open, and the individual will develop sleep-wake cycles without clear signs of consciousness = after 3 months it’s permanent

Question 9

Minimally conscious state

Answer 9

a disordered state of consciousness marked by the ability to show some behaviours that suggest at least partial consciousness, even if on an inconsistent basis

Question 10

Locked-in syndrome

Answer 10

a disorder in which the patient is aware and awake but, because of an inability to move their body, appears unconscious