Module 4 Psychology Lectures

Introduction to States of Consciousness

  • Discussion on the topic of consciousness and its varying states.

Definition of Consciousness

  • Consciousness: Awareness level of one's surroundings and internal thoughts/feelings.

    • Consists of awareness from external stimuli or internal sensations.

    • Creates levels of arousal, which can be non-sexual and range from low to high.

Arousal

  • Arousal can involve:

    • Fear (need to escape from a threat).

    • Motivation and inspiration (drawn towards something).

  • Arousal levels can fluctuate throughout the day, regulated by the reticular activating system.

  • Example: Caffeine

    • Acts on the reticular activating system to elevate arousal without providing energy.

    • Long-term caffeine use can lead to habituation and decreased sensitivity.

Levels of Consciousness

  • High Level Consciousness: Deep focus and engagement (e.g., problem-solving).

    • Example: Completing a crossword puzzle while at a hair salon.

    • Associated with executive function and attention to the environment.

  • Low Level Consciousness: Autopilot mode, less active engagement.

    • Activities like doing dishes, listening to a podcast, or daydreaming.

    • Less awareness of the environment, leading to missing critical information.

  • Altered States of Consciousness: Awake but experiencing different perceptions.

    • Example: Effects of drugs (caffeine, cannabis, alcohol).

    • Can include fatigue or conditions like the hypnagogic state, where one is in-between wakefulness and sleep.

    • Trauma can also induce altered states (e.g., blocking memories).

    • Meditation and hypnosis as examples of altered states.

Levels of Awareness

  • Subconscious Awareness: Processing information without full realization or focus on it.

    • Example: Seeing an image with dual meanings (faces or a vase).

  • No Awareness: Complete unawareness of certain memories or experiences.

    • Example: Repressed childhood memories affecting adult behavior.

Brain Waves and Consciousness Levels

  • Different brain waves correlate with levels of consciousness:

    • Beta waves: High-level thinking and focus.

    • Alpha waves: Relaxation, transitioning to sleep.

    • Sleep stages: Stage 1 to 4 transitioning into REM sleep for dreaming.

Multitasking and Consciousness

  • Divided Consciousness: Paying attention to two different stimuli simultaneously.

    • Example: Listening to a professor while drawing, where tasks are distinct.

  • Shifted Consciousness: Transitioning between two compatible stimuli.

    • Example: Driving while texting; focusing alternates between tasks and can be dangerous.

Biological Rhythms

  • Seasonal Biological Rhythms: Energy levels changing with seasons.

    • Winter: Need for more sleep due to increased melatonin.

    • Summer: Increased hunger influenced by ghrelin hormone due to food availability.

  • Circadian Rhythm: Daily cycles affecting arousal and energy levels (90-minute cycles).

    • Jet lag effects from shifts in time zones; melatonin or bright light may help reset.

Importance of Sleep

  • Provides safety, energy restoration, and brain plasticity.

  • Stage of Sleep: Importance of stage 3 and 4 for restoring energy and enhancing cognitive abilities.

  • Use of technology: Mention of wearables like Oura ring for tracking sleep and promoting health awareness.

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