The Consciousness Continuum

Question 1

Altered state of consciousness ASC

Answer 1

An altered state of consciousness can be de ned as any state of consciousness that deviates from normal waking consciousness, in terms of marked differences in our level of awareness, perceptions, memories, thinking, emotions, behaviours and sense of time, place and self-control.

Question 2

Alcohol induced state

Answer 2

An induced altered state of consciousness caused by the consumption of alcohol, a drug that slows (or depresses) the brain and nervous system.

Question 3

Daydreaming

Answer 3

A naturally occurring altered state of conscious in which a shift of awareness occurs from external events to internal thoughts.

Question 4

Consciousness

Answer 4

The awareness of our thoughts, feelings and our environment at any moment in time. Consciousness is selective, personal and continuous. Our level of consciousness can be placed on a continuum, which ranges from being highly focused and alert through to having no thoughts, feelings or sensations at all.

Question 5

Hypothetical/psychological constructs

Answer 5

Psychological constructs are used to understand or explain things that we believe exist but cannot see, touch or measure in any way. Consciousness is a psychological construct because it is believed to exist, but we are unable to physically measure it, so descriptions are ‘constructed’ to explain it.

Question 6

Hypnosis

Answer 6

A technique in which an altered state of consciousness involving deep relaxation and a sleep-like state during which an individual is susceptible to suggestions.

Question 7

Meditation

Answer 7

A technique to cause an altered state of consciousness that uses mental exercises to become highly focused on a single thought at the expense of other stimuli.

Question 8

Normal waking consciousness NWC

Answer 8

A state of consciousness in which an individual is aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, including internal and external events.

Question 9

Continuum of awareness

Answer 9

TOTAL AWARENESS

NWC:
Focussed attention
Ordinary wakefulness

ASC:
Daydreaming
Meditation 
Hypnosis 
Sleep 
Anaesthetised 
Coma

TOTAL LACK OF AWARENESS

Question 10

State of consciousness

Answer 10

The level of awareness of objects or events in the external world and of our own existence and internal mental processes at any given moment.

Question 11

Consciousness as a continuum

Answer 11

Our level of awareness of internal events and external surroundings varies throughout the day. You will have times when you are alert and others when you are feeling quite drowsy. Consciousness can be thought of as operating on a continuum from a high level of consciousness or awareness through to the point of being unconscious.