Dot Point 1 - States Of consciousness Flashcards
What is the consciousness continuum?
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.
What is consciousness?
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.
Does the concours ness continuum vary through out the day?
Yes. It varies throughout the day.
Draw the consciousness continuum
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
Why is consciousness represented on a continuum?
Because there is no distinct boundary where one state of consciousness begins and another ends.
Define Normal Waking Consciousness
Normal waking consciousness (NWC) : A state of clear, organised alertness to internal and external stimuli
We spend 2/3 of our day in NWC
Define Altered States of Consciousness
Altered state of consciousness (ASC) refers to any state that is distinctly different from NWC.
They can occur naturally of be induced.
What is an example of an ASC
Meditation, sleep, coma