Studying Consciousness: Introduction

Question 1

What 3 types of measurements can psychologists collect do gain data about consciousness?

Answer 1

Physiological recordings
Participant-provided information
Behaviour demonstrated

Question 2

Where do researchers research sleep?

Answer 2

In sleep laboratories

Question 3

Define: sleep laboratory

Answer 3

Research facilities that allow researchers to monitor sleep patterns and phenomenon in sleeping patients.

Question 4

Advantages of sleep labs

Answer 4

Can conduct research
Can assess, diagnose and treat sleep disorders
Allow many measurements regarding sleep to be recorded

Question 5

Disadvantages of sleep labs

Answer 5

Artificiality isn’t completely reduced (uncomfortable and doesn’t have same disturbances)

Question 6

Describe what happens in sleep labs.

Answer 6

Decorated to look like bedrooms; patient comes in and tries to keep normal bedtime routine; researchers monitor them in control room (including responses)

Question 7

What type of research occurs in sleep labs? Define it.

Answer 7

Polysomnography: an intensive study of a sleeping person, involving simultaneous monitoring and recording of various physiological responses of the sleeper during the night.

Question 8

Can sleep research occur outside of a sleep laboratory? If so, explain the limitations of this.

Answer 8

Yes (through self reports); but it is more difficult to gather multiple measurements and is less controlled