Altered StatesConsciousness

Many psychologists questioned whether it could be studied.

Now many believe it can be studied through talking and brain waves.

Consciousness

Psychological construct: a concept used to talk about something we cannot see, touch , or measure.

A construct effects behavior

Examples are intelligence, emotions (love)

Constructs

Generally means Awareness

Sensory awareness Direct inner

awareness Sense of self

Meanings -3 types

Senses are aware the environment

You are aware of things outside of yourself.

You are not always aware of the environment. It is sometimes selective.

Ex-in classroom you have to tune out all other noises to focus.

Sometimes we are conscious of unusual stimuli.

Sensory Awareness

Abstract concepts Aware of things

inside yourself You do not hear,

touch see or smell these things but you are aware of them

Being angry, can’t touch anger but you know you were angry.

Direct Inner Awareness

We are aware of ourselves and our existence.

Young kids are not aware of themselves. They don’t refer to themselves by their name.

“Taylor wants milk” The world might change

but you have a sense of self.

Sense of Self

Preconscious Unconscious Nonconscious

Levels of Consciousness

Ideas are not in your awareness but you could recall them if you had to.

You direct your attention to them.

Preconscious

Sometimes referred to as subconscious

Unavailable to awareness; info. Is hidden

Freud believed some memoires are so painful and impulses are aggressive and unacceptable.

We hide these memories in the subconscious.

Unconscious

Biological functions exist Finger nails are growing but you can’t feel

them.

Nonconscious

Freud

Sleep Drugs Meditation Hypnosis Biofeedback

(progressive relaxation)

Altered States