The Study of ConsciousnessSECTION 1

Consciousness As A Construct

Psychologist believe that consciousness can be studied because it can be linked with measurable behaviors like talking

Consciousness can’t be seen, touched, or measured directly

We can theorize how sleep or alcohol affects consciousness, and come up with ways of testing the theories

Some people think that intelligence results in behavior, but there’s no way to know for sure

Meanings of Consciousness

Consciousness is used in multiple ways There is more than one type of Awareness

• Sensory Awareness

• Inner Awareness

• Sense of self that each person experiences

Consciousness As Sensory Awareness

Selective attention – Focusing on a particular stimulus Ex:

To pay attention in class, we must screen out rustling papers and scraping chairs.

Consciousness As Direct Inner Awareness

The direct inner awareness refers to the surreal feeling of what’s happening in your consciousness. Anytime you

are aware of feeling angry or other abstract concepts of love, you do not hear, see, smell or touch thoughts.

Images emotions or emotions and memories. Yet you are still conscious of them. Also the sense of self the

realization that as we grow older we know we are unique individuals in other words consciousness is the sense of self which we are aware of ourselves and our existence.

Levels of Consciousness

The Preconscious Level – Although you are not consciously thinking about any information before you are asked a question, you can probably answer it with ease. Preconscious ideas are not in your awareness right now, but you could recall them if you had to.

The Unconscious Level – Information stored in the unconscious is unavailable to awareness under most circumstances.

Nonconscious Level – When you do something without actually knowing or feeling that you are doing it. For example, you blink when you step from the dark into the light, but you cannot feel your pupils growing smaller.

Altered States of Consciousness

A type of consciousness other than normal walking consciousness

Consciousness – refers to the walking state Sleep, under the influence of drugs, meditation and

hypnosis are altered states of consciousness.

States of Consciousness

Section 1 Review

I. What are three psychological constructs?

II. List and describe 3 levels of consciousness at which awareness is limited.

III. Do you think a person can understand the consciousness of another person? Why or why not?