Introductory Psychology Open Course: Unit 8
States of Consciousness
In this unit we'll begin by looking at some of the challenges of studying consciousness and varying types and levels of conscious awareness. Then we'll look at a common altered states of consciousness we experience each night during sleep. We'll cover the circadian rhythm, the stages of sleep, the effects of sleep deprivation, why polyphasic schedules don't work well for dividing up our time in this altered state, and several theories of the role of dreaming. Lastly, we'll look at other altered states of consciousness that can be induced by psychoactive drugs, or perhaps by practices like hypnosis or meditation.
Problems with trying to understand and study consciousness
Terms for different types of consciousness
Terms for different levels of conscious awareness
Defining characteristics of consciousness
How much are we in control of our own minds?
The 24-hour sleep-wake cycle
The stages of the sleep cycle
The physical and cognitive effects of sleep deprivation
Types of Sleep Disorders and their symptoms
Why polyphasic sleep schedules don't work
Theories of Dreaming
How drugs influence neurons to affect consciousness
How psychoactive drugs are classified based on their effects
A brief introduction to hypnosis
Brief introduction to meditation
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