Dot Point 1 - States Of consciousness

Question 0

What is the consciousness continuum?

Answer 0

The consciousness continuum refers to our level of awareness of both internal and external stimuli. It determines how much information we take in and respond to.

Question 1

What is consciousness?

Answer 1

It is the awareness of objects and events in the external world and mental processes at any given moment.

• it consists of all the thoughts, feelings, sensations, perceptions and memories you are aware of
• consciousness is referred to as a hypothetical construct, This means it is thought to exist but can not be directly observed.

Question 2

Does the concours ness continuum vary through out the day?

Answer 2

Yes. It varies throughout the day.

Question 3

Draw the consciousness continuum

Answer 3

Total awareness
NWC. Focused attention / controlled process
Divided attention / automatic processes

ASC.        Day dreaming 
                 Meditation 
                 Hypnosis
                 Sleeping
                 Anaesthesia
                 Coma (unconsciousness) 

Unaware of thoughts, feelings and sensations

Question 4

Why is consciousness represented on a continuum?

Answer 4

Because there is no distinct boundary where one state of consciousness begins and another ends.

Question 5

Define Normal Waking Consciousness

Answer 5

Normal waking consciousness (NWC) : A state of clear, organised alertness to internal and external stimuli

We spend 2/3 of our day in NWC

Question 6

Define Altered States of Consciousness

Answer 6

Altered state of consciousness (ASC) refers to any state that is distinctly different from NWC.

They can occur naturally of be induced.

Question 7

What is an example of an ASC

Answer 7

Meditation, sleep, coma