Methods Used to Study Consciousness Flashcards
What is the concept of ‘methods used to study consciousness’ referring to?
We measure physiological responses to determine someone’s state of consciousness
What methods/technology is often used to study consciousness?
electroencephalograph (EEG)
electromyograph (EMG)
electro-oculograph (EOG)
sleep diaries and video monitoring (subjective reports)
speed and accuracy cognition tests
What are the 4 most common techniques used to categorise responses associated with different states?
Measuring cognitive performance
Self-Reports
Video Monitoring
Measuring Physiological responses
What does measuring physiological responses do?
getting data on bodily changes/reactions in different conscious states
3 common changes are brain wave patterns, muscle activity and eye movement
provide information on levels of alertness and underlying bodily changes that occur in different states
What is anelectroencephalograph (EEG) ?
Measures brain waves
detects, amplifies and records general patterns of electrical (neuron) activity in the brain over a time period
EEG recordings indicate that brain wave patterns (rhythms) change as level of alertness changes within different state of consciousness
What and How does an EEG measure consciousness?
Brain waves are measured using small electrodes that are attached to the surface of the scalp at the top and sides of the head
neurons in the cerebral cortex can be detected outside the skull
Alternatively, a participant may be required to wear a head cap with prepositioned or adjustable electrodes to suit individual requirements
What is an electromyograph (EMG) ?
EMG is used to detect, amplify and record the electrical activity of muscles
generally show the strength of electrical activity occurring in the muscles, which indicates changes in muscle activity (movement) and muscle tone (tension)
What and how does and EMG measure consciousness?
This data is obtained by attaching electrodes to the skin above the muscles being studied
Facial, torso, and leg muscles or a combo of them can be studied
The records of the EMG are displayed as line graphs, similar to the EEG. They can be produced on paper or on a computer monitor
What is an electro-oculargraph (EOG) ?
measures eye movements or eye positions by detecting, amplifying and recording electrical activity in eye muscles
The EOG is commonly used to study eye movement in sleeping/dreaming states
EOGs help clarify the difference between the two types of sleep - REM and Non-REM
What and how does an EOG measure consciousness?
This is done through electrodes attached to areas of the face surrounding the eyes
The records of the EOG are displayed as line graphs, similar to those produced by the EEG and EMG. They can also be produced on paper or on a computer monitor.
What is measurement of speed/accuracy on cognitive tasks?
Researchers also study psychological and behavioural responses during dif. states
Measurement ofspeedtypically involves reaction time
Measurement ofaccuracytypically involves the number of correct responses and incorrect responses (errors) made by the individual
What is subjective reporting of consciousness?
the use ofself-reports— the participant’s written/spoken responses to questions
Self-reports aresubjectivesince the data is based on bias/view/opinion
What are sleep diaries for?
a ‘log’ used to self-record and self-report sleep and waking time activities
Sleep diaries are often used together with EEGs / EMGs with assessment of sleep disturbances or disorders
What is video monitoring?
Video monitoring is most commonly used in the study of sleep and sleep disturbances/disorders
Most medical facilities have video cameras to record observable physiological responses when sleeping
Responses that may be observed include:
changes in posture or body position
amount of ‘tossing and turning’
sleep-related breathing problems
what happens when awakening from a nightmare or night terror
behaviours associated with sleepwalking.
These types of responses can be examined together with those of other types of recordings, then linked to different sleep stages, sleep types or the specific aspect of sleep under investigation. Video monitoring is particularly important with participants (or patients) who have a serious sleep disorder.
