Consciousness Flashcards
Sternberg defines this as a state of awareness in which individuals can reflect on their internal thoughts and external environment
It enables humans to experience emotions, make decisions, and interact meaningfully with the world
it is what allows us to differentiate between dreaming and being awake, to recognize ourselves in a mirror, and to deliberate about our actions.
consciousness
What are the 3 levels of consciousness?
conscious, preconscious, unconscious
At this level of consciousness, it said that this is what we are currently aware of—our direct thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences.
Example: While reading this, you are consciously processing the words and their meaning.
Conscious level
is consciousness binary?
no, Sternberg acknowledges that consciousness is not binary (on/off) but exists on a continuum, where different levels interact dynamically.
At this level of consciousness, cognitive processes occurring outside our awareness that still influence behavior and thinking
Example: Intuition, suppressed memories, and automatic responses (e.g., riding a bike without thinking about each motion).
Unconscious Level
At this level of consciousness, information is not immediately aware but can be accessed when needed.
Example: You don’t actively think about your phone number at all times, but you can recall it when asked.
Preconscious level
what are the 3 cognitive roles of consciousness?
- Monitoring Function
- Controlling Function
- Reflective Awareness & Self-Knowledge
this role of consciousness indicates that humans can reflect on their experiences, plan for the future, and even think about thinking (metacognition).
Example: Recognizing a mistake in reasoning and correcting it
Reflective Awareness & Self-Knowledge
this role of consciousness indicates that consciousness helps track the environment and internal states
Example: If you are hungry, you become aware of it and decide to eat.
Monitoring Function
this role of consciousness inidicates that consciousness enables intentional behavior, guiding actions toward goals.
Example: When making a difficult decision, consciousness allows us to weigh pros and cons.
Controlling Function
this theory of consciousness, proposed by Tononi (2004), assumes that consciousness depends on how much information is integrated across neural networks.
Higher integration means higher consciousness (e.g., humans vs. computers).
Integrated Information Theory
what are the 3 theories Sternberg discusses to explain how consciousness works?
- Global Workspace Theory
- Integrated Information Theory
- Higher-Order Thought Theory
this theory of consciousness, proposed by Baars (1998), assumes that consciousness acts as a “workspace” in the brain, where information is broadcasted across different areas.
Think of it as a spotlight that illuminates important thoughts while keeping irrelevant information in the background.
Global Workspace Theory
this theory of consciousness assumes that consciousness requires the ability to have thoughts about one’s thoughts (metacognition).
Example: If you say, “I know that I am thinking about my next vacation,” you are engaging in higher-order thought
Higher-Order Thought Theory
what brain region, for consciousness, acts as a relay station, processing sensory input before it reaches conscious awareness?
brainstem & reticular information
what brain region is responsible for decision-making, planning, and higher-order thinking?
Thalamus
this type of consciousness is for the awareness of body movement and position.
Proprioceptive Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for balancing self-awareness and observation of another person.
Social Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for trusting others and sensing their physical guidance.
Social and Emotional Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for reacting instinctively while remaining aware of external forces.
Reflexive Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for awareness of sound distinctions and locations.
Auditory Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for understanding the location and movement of sound in space.
Spatial Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for awareness of internal bodily states.
Interoceptive Consciousness
this type of consciousness is for full awareness of the present moment
Mindful Consciousness
