States Of Consciousness Flashcards
What is consciousness?
The awareness of our thoughts, feelings and environment at any moment in time
What is meant by a hypothetical construct?
Knowing something exists but not being able to directly observe
What are 3 characteristics of Normal waking consciousness?
- moderate to high levels of awareness
- good memory/cognitive ability
- focused attention
- accurate perception of reality
- appropriate emotions
- a degree of self control
- accurate perception of time and sensations
What are the 2 categories of consciousness?
Normal waking consciousness
Altered states of consciousness
What are 3 characteristics of altered states of consciousness?
- low awareness levels
- memory difficulty
- reduced cognitive ability
- lack of attention
- distorted perception of reality e.g. delusions
- uncharacteristic emotions
- lack of self control
- unable to accurately perceive time or sensations
What is the purpose of an electroencephalograph (EEG)
To detect, amplify and record electrical activity in the brain in the form of brainwaves
What is the purpose of an electro-oculogram (EOG)?
To detect, amplify and record electrical activity of muscles that control eye movement
What is the purpose of an electromyograph (EMG)?
To detect, amplify and record electrical activity of muscles in the body
What is the purpose of a psychometric vigilance test (PVT)?
To measure behavioural alertness
Give an example of a stimulant
Caffeine
Nicotine
Amphetamines/methamphetamines
Cocaine
Give an example of a depressant
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Cannibas
How would a stimulant effect the results of an EEG
It would increase the prevalence of beta wave activity, indicating an increase in alertness
How would depressants impact the results of an EEG
They would increase the prevalence of alpha/theta/delta waves and decrease the prevalence of beta waves
What is selective attention?
Focusing all attention into one task
What is divided attention?
Spreading focus between several tasks at the same time.
