Chapter 3 - Methods of Studying Consciousness

Question 1

Why are physiological responses the best form of measurable changes?

Answer 1

Because they are the most reliable and least subjective means of indicating different states of consciousness.
- Typically, the data is consistent/stable and can be recorded and interpreted consistently between researchers.

Question 2

Outline the weaknesses of physiological methods of obtaining changes in states of consciousness.

Answer 2

1. Limited in its ability to identify the participant’s private and personal conscious experience.
2. Changes in physiological events may be due to other reasons, not a change in state of consciousness (Eg. Participant may have a fever).

Question 3

Electroencephalograph

Answer 3

A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the form of brainwaves.

Question 4

Electroencephalogram

Answer 4

Recordings of the electrical activity in the brain - recorded by a computer and shown a monitor.

Question 5

Describe each type of brainwave in terms of their frequency and amplitude.

Answer 5

• Beta waves: High frequency, low amplitude.
• Alpha waves: Reasonably high frequency, low amplitude.
• Theta waves: Medium frequency, mixed amplitude (some high, some low).
• Delta waves: Steady pattern of low frequency, high amplitude.

Question 6

Electrooculargraph

Answer 6

A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that move the eye.

Question 7

Electrooculargram

Answer 7

The recordings of the electrical activity in the muscles that allow the eye to move.

Question 8

Measurements for EOG are displayed one eye at a time.

Answer 8

t(-.-t)

Question 9

Electromyograph

Answer 9

A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activities of muscles.

Question 10

Electromyogram

Answer 10

Recordings of the electrical activity of muscles.

Question 11

Polysomnogram

Answer 11

A continuously moving chart that displays data collected simultaneously from EEG, EOG, EMG and any other devices.

Question 12

Electrocardiograph

Answer 12

A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the heart muscles.

Question 13

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

Answer 13

The physiological response that indicates the electrical conductivity of the skin.

Question 14

Video monitoring

Answer 14

Common method used to observe sleep - uses infrared cameras that operate silently to allow footage to be seen and taped in the dark without disturbing the sleeping participant.

Question 15

Advantages of a sleep laboratory.

Answer 15

• Controlled environment.
• Researchers can work comfortably with all equipment and resources.
• Number of different research methods can be employed.

Question 16

Disadvantages of sleep laboratory.

Answer 16

• Artificial environment.
• Sleep may be deliberately woken up.
• Being monitored/wired up could frighten participants.

Question 17

Advantages of video monitoring.

Answer 17

• Insight into observable behaviour during sleep.
• Can be done in a laboratory or a bed (allows participants to sleep in their natural environment).
• Can be monitored in the present or afterwards.
• Data can be recorded alongside physiological measurements.

Question 18

Disadvantages of video monitoring.

Answer 18

• May miss important information if only watching still photos every few seconds/minutes.
• Participants’ behaviour may be blocked from the camera.
• Lots of information to sift through.
• Data can be open to interpretation.

Question 19

Advantages of self-reports.

Answer 19

• Gives rich and important insight into actual thoughts, feelings and behaviours experienced by participants.

Question 20

Disadvantages of self-reports.

Answer 20

• Subjective measures that are open to interpretation and are difficult to communicate and compare with others (open to bias).
• Dreams are quickly forgotten.
• Accuracy of report.