Chapter 2- States of Consciousness

Question 1

Consciousness

Answer 1

The awareness of our thoughts, feelings, perceptions and external environment

Question 2

Normal Waking Consciousness (NWC)

Answer 2

The states of consciousness when you are awake and aware of feelings, thoughts and perceptions of both internal and external stimuli

Question 3

Awareness (NWC)

Answer 3

How conscious you are of internal and external stimuli. In NWC, awareness is high.

Question 4

Content Limitations (NWC)

Answer 4

Relates to how well we can control what we think about. In NWC, is generally more restricted than in other states of consciousness

Question 5

Attention (NWC)

Answer 5

The information that the brain is actively processing. In NWC, attention is generally higher than in ASC’s

Question 6

Selective Attention

Answer 6

Controlled processes require selective attention, because they are difficult to process and require lots of focus

Question 7

Divided Attention

Answer 7

Automatic processes allow divided attention, which means that two or more tasks can be completed at once.

Question 8

Automatic processes

Answer 8

Allow divided attention. Automatic processes are often familiar and well learned

Question 9

Controlled Processes

Answer 9

Require selective attention. These tasks are often new or difficult so require more attention

Question 10

Perceptual distortion (NWC)

Answer 10

The process of organising sensory input and giving it meaning. In NWC, our perception is usually clear and rational

Question 11

Cognition (NWC)

Answer 11

In broad terms, relates to the activities of thinking, problem solving and language. Our thoughts are clear, and rational in NWC

Question 12

Emotional Awareness (NWC)

Answer 12

In NWC, we are usually aware of our feelings and react appropriately to situations

Question 13

Self Control (NWC)

Answer 13

In NWC, self control is generally quite high and we can monitor our impulses and behaviour

Question 14

Time Orientation (NWC)

Answer 14

In NWC, time orientation is good and we are mostly aware of how much time has passed

Question 15

Altered State of Consciousness (ASC)

Answer 15

Any state of consciousness other than NWC

Question 16

Daydreaming

Answer 16

Attention is shifted from external to internal thoughts, feelings and imagined scenarios and are nearly always positive. We are more likely to daydream when bored, alone or in routine situations. Awareness of external stimuli is reduced

Question 17

Alcohol-induced States

Answer 17

Altering state of consciousness with psychoactive drugs (in this case alcohol), which affect the activity of neurons. Alcohol depresses the nervous system

Question 18

Awareness (ASC)

Answer 18

When daydreaming, external awareness is reduced but internal awareness is increased. In an alcohol induced state, awareness is reduced

Question 19

Content Limitations (ASC)

Answer 19

Content limitation is reduced in both daydreaming and alcohol induced states, leading to fewer limitations on what we think about

Question 20

Perceptual Distortions (ASC)

Answer 20

Perception may be altered in both daydreaming and alcohol induced states. The awareness of pain and other feelings is often distorted

Question 21

Cognition (ASC)

Answer 21

Thought processes are generally disorganised and less logical in both daydreaming and alcohol induced states. Memory function is also reduced

Question 22

Emotional Awareness (ASC)

Answer 22

Daydreams are likely to enhance mood, whereas alcohol induced states distort emotional awareness and generally decrease the appropriateness of reactions to situations

Question 23

Self Control (ASC)

Answer 23

Self control is generally reduced in both daydreaming and alcohol induced states

Question 24

Time Orientation (ASC)

Answer 24

Distorted sense of time in both daydreaming and alcohol induced states, time may seem to speed up or slow down