Studying Consciousness: Physiological Measurements

Question 1

Advantages of using physiological measurements?

Answer 1

Objective and reliable data - can be shared between psychologists
Very reliable in identifying SOCs’s

Question 2

Limitations of using physiological measurements?

Answer 2

Changes can be caused by other factors (illness, anxiety…)

Can’t determine internal thoughts and feelings

Question 3

Define: EEG (electroencephalograph)

Answer 3

Detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain

Question 4

In an EEG, where does the electrical activity come from?

Answer 4

Neurons

Question 5

Where are electrodes in an EEG placed?

Answer 5

At the top and sides of the head (or as a swimming cap)

Question 6

What is the graphical recording produced by an EEG called

Answer 6

An electroencephalogram

Question 7

Define: EMG (electromyograph)

Answer 7

Detects, amplifies and records electrical activity of the muscles

Question 8

What specific types of muscle activity does the EMG record?

Answer 8

Changes in muscle activity (movement) and muscle tone (tension)

Question 9

Where are the electrodes of an EMG placed?

Answer 9

Above the skin of the muscles: usually the chin, or neck; sometimes arms and legs

Question 10

Describe the readings of the EMG in NWC, NREM sleep and REM sleep

Answer 10

NWC: moderate-high
NREM: very low
REM: low-moderate spasms

Question 11

Describe when beta, alpha, theta and delta waves are experienced.

Answer 11

Beta: focused attention
Alpha: relaxed state
Theta: early sleep stages
Delta: deep sleep
Sawtooth: REM sleep

Question 12

What is the recording produced from an EMG called?

Answer 12

An electromyograph

Question 13

Define: EOG (electrooculargraph)

Answer 13

Detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that move the eye.

Question 14

Where are electrodes in the EOG placed?

Answer 14

Around the eyes - one set per eye

Question 15

What recording does an EOG produce?

Answer 15

An electrooculargram

Question 16

Define: ECG (electrocardiograph)

Answer 16

Detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the heart muscles

Question 17

What specific aspects of the heart does the ECG measure?

Answer 17

Heart rate (speed) and heart rhythm (irregularity)

Question 18

In what ways can the heart rate increase?

Answer 18

Exercise, stimulants, strong emotions, high psychological activity

Question 19

In what ways can the heart rate decrease?

Answer 19

Drowsiness and meditation

Question 20

When is the heart rate lowest? And what happens during REM sleep?

Answer 20

During deep sleep; it is irregular during REM sleeo

Question 21

Describe the changes in body temperature throughout the day

Answer 21

Peaks during mid afternoon, drops to its lowest from light to deep sleep (by over 1 degree sometimes)

Question 22

How can body temperature be increased?

Answer 22

Due to strenuous exercise, stimulants, some illnesses

Question 23

How can body temperature be decreased?

Answer 23

Depressants and some illnesses

Question 24

Is the fluctuation of body temperature linked to drowsiness?

Answer 24

Yes

Question 25

Define: galvanic skin response (GSR)

Answer 25

A physiological response which indicates the electrical conductivity of the skin

Question 26

If the skin has a lower resistance to a passing electrical current, is its conductivity higher or lower?

Answer 26

Higher

Question 27

Does higher conductivity of the skin mean more sweat?

Answer 27

Yes

Question 28

What are increases in the skin’s conductivity linked to?

Answer 28

Arousal and alertness; emotional experiences and exercise

Question 29

What are decreases in the skin’s conductivity linked to?

Answer 29

Relaxation