Chapter 4 States of Consciousness

Visual Processing and Hemispheric Specialization

• Joe's Case:

  • Observed visual processing where stimuli from the left visual field are processed in the right hemisphere.

  • Condition leads to inability to verbally identify objects seen in the left visual field.

• Corpus Callosum: Intact in most individuals, allowing communication between hemispheres.

• Demonstration of Hemisphere Functions:

  • Activities like drawing shapes with different hands illustrate lateralized brain functions.

    • Right hemisphere: Associated with creativity and artistry.

    • Left hemisphere: Associated with language, communication, and analytical skills.

• Book References:

  • "Drawing with the Right Side of Your Brain" and "Increase Your Left Brain Power" discuss enhancing brain function through practice.

  • Suggests preferences for either side, but individuals can develop skills in both hemispheres.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Definitions:

  • Nature refers to genetic inheritance and biological influences.

  • Nurture refers to environmental factors such as upbringing, socioeconomic status, and experiences.

• Examples of Nurture:

  • Family environment and traumas that shape personality and abilities.

• Physical Traits: Inherited characteristics include:

  • Hair and eye color.

  • Height, build, and other physical attributes may reflect both nature and nurture influences.

Genetic Inheritance

• Genetic Transmission:

  • Genes passed down in pairs, 23 from each parent leading to 46 total chromosomes.

  • 23rd pair determines gender (XX for females, XY for males).

• Chromosomal Abnormalities:

  • Potential for extra or missing chromosomes leading to disorders (e.g., Down syndrome).

• Common Traits and Inheritance:

  • Traits like hair color and height can be affected by both dominant and recessive genes.

    • Example: Brown hair is dominant, while blonde is recessive.

• Twin Types:

  • Identical Twins: Result from one fertilized egg splitting.

  • Fraternal Twins: Result from multiple eggs being fertilized, not genetically identical.

Multifactorial Traits and Diseases

• Interaction of Genetics and Environment:

  • Some diseases result from a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers (e.g., stress for mental disorders).

  • Complex traits (like intelligence or personality) might not strictly be attributed to nature or nurture.

Consciousness and Awareness

• Definition of Consciousness:

  • Awareness of both internal (thoughts, emotions) and external (surroundings) events.

• States of Consciousness:

  • Focused awareness: High state of alertness to tasks.

  • Drifting consciousness: Daydreaming or lack of attention.

  • Divided consciousness: Multitasking, often ineffective.

• Neuroscience Perspective:

  • The brain's processing capacity limits true multitasking; efficiency drops when divided attention occurs.

Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious Mind

• Freud's Model:

  • Conscious mind: Accessible thoughts and awareness.

  • Unconscious mind: Stores repressed memories and instincts.

• Iceberg Metaphor:

  • Consciousness is the tip (above water), while the vast unconscious mind is beneath the surface.

  • Components: Id (instincts), Ego (reality bridge), Superego (moral conscience).

Genetic Variation and Dominance

• Examples of Dominant vs. Recessive Traits:

  • Dominance influences likelihood of expressing traits like eye color and hair type.

  • Certain traits (e.g., dimples) are determined by single dominant genes.

• Nature's Complexity:

  • Genetic traits can manifest unexpectedly due to recessive gene combinations or distant ancestry influences.

  • Trait inheritance (like red hair) may skip generations or appear unexpectedly among siblings.

Conclusion

• Complexity of Genetics:

  • Understanding the balance between nature and nurture in shaping individuals.

  • Continuous exploration of consciousness, genetics, and their implications in psychology and behavior.