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.