Dot Point 1 - NWC vs ASC Flashcards
NWC - levels of attention - selective attention
Selective attention - refers to the limitations placed on how much we can focus at any given moment on one stimulus or event to the exclusion of others.
E.g learning some thing new
What are the 8 categories in which we can compare the effects of NWC to ASC ?
Levels of attention, Levels of awareness, Content limitations, Cognitive distortions, Perceptual distortions, Emotional awareness, Self - control, Time orientation
NWC - levels of attention - divided attention
Refers to the capacity to attend to and perform 2 or more activities at the same time
This is generally only possible if the tasks can be performed with little mental effort. Not to similar
E.g walking and talking.
ASC - levels of attention
In an altered state of consciousness shifting our attention can be slower or we may shift it more often as we find it difficult to concentrate
We have a poor ability to focus our attention on a single task, and it becomes more difficult to divide our attention as well
NWC - Levels of awareness - controlled process
Require full awareness and mental effort to focus attention on the required task. The person needs to be consciously aware of what they are doing and think about doing the task.
E.g Driving
NWC - levels of awareness- Automatic processes
Require very little awareness or mental effort to be performed well and they generally don’t interfere with other automatic or controlled processes.
This can allow you to do 2 things at once.
E.g walking
ASC - levels of awareness
In an altered state of consciousness,your level of awareness either decreases it increases
You become more or less aware of your perceptions and/or surroundings,
NWC - content limitations
The content of information is limited in type and amount (because we can focus our attention)
Our thoughts are controlled and limited to reality
I.e. Very few bizarre thoughts
ASC - content limitations
Content is not as limited as there is little control
E.g daydreaming and alcohol - induced state
NWC - cognitive distortions
Cognitive distortions can be discussed and recognised to be exaggeration a
Usually logical and organised
E.g we do not go to school names, as we might in a dream
Effective memory functioning
ASC - cognitive distortions
Cognitive distortions may occur
E.g people are trying to kill me
Cognition is illogical and often lacking in sequence
E.g conversation with a drunk, dreaming
Memory is also impaired
Poor decision making
NWC - Perceptual distortions
Sensations reflect reality
Perception is clear and the individual is able to process sensory input to form awareness of their internal state and of external stimuli
ASC - perpetual distortion
Sensations and perceptions can be dulled/blunted from pain medication, mediation etc
Sensations and perceptions can also be heightened from hallucinogenic drugs
Sometimes perception is so distorted people may lose their sense of identity and feel they are outside of their body
NWC - emotional awareness
Takes into account physiological responses and the thoughts that give them context
E.g increased heart rate could be interpreted as fear, excitement, nervousness,
Emotional awareness tends to be regular
ASC - emotional awareness
Emotional responses are often distorted
E.g intensifies, blunt or inappropriate
