Module 1.5a Sleep: Consciousness

Consciousness in Psychology

• Historically vital concept, initially defined as the study of consciousness.

• Shift in the early 20th century to behaviorism; psychology defined as "the science of behavior."

• 1960s revival of interest in consciousness through neuroscience and altered states from drugs/hypnosis.

• Current definition: consciousness is subjective awareness of self and environment.

Importance of Consciousness

• Helps make sense of sensations, emotions, and choices.

• Essential for setting goals and planning.

• Transfers from conscious awareness to autopilot with practice (e.g., learning to ride a bike).

Altered States of Consciousness

• Includes daydreaming, dreaming, hypnosis, meditation, drug-induced states.

• Most conscious thoughts focus on present/future.

Cognitive Neuroscience

• Studies brain activity linked to cognition (thinking, remembering).

• Explores the relationship between brain and consciousness, poses the "hard problem" of consciousness.

• Brain scans (e.g., fMRI) can show conscious thoughts in noncommunicative patients.

Dual Processing

• Cognitive neuroscience reveals a "dual track" mind.

  • Two levels of processing: conscious (sequential) and unconscious (parallel).

  • Conscious processing is slower and requires focus; unconscious processing is fast and automatic.

• Examples of dual processing include blindsight where visual information is processed unconsciously.

Key Terms

• Blindsight: Ability to respond to visual stimuli without conscious perception.

• Parallel Processing: Simultaneous processing of multiple aspects of a stimulus.

• Sequential Processing: Processing one aspect at a time, used for new or complex tasks.