Methods for studying consciousness

1. Lesson 1: Methods for studying consciousness

2. Objectives
• Outline limitations to subjective measures to states of consciousness
• Describe and evaluate the methods used to study the level of alertness in normal
waking consciousness and the stages of sleep: measurement of physiological
responses including;
– electroencephalograph (EEG)
- electromyograph (EMG)
– electrooculargraph (EOG)
– heart rate (ECG)
– body temperature
– galvanic skin response (GSR)

3. Exam Question
Question 3
Two boys, Jason and Eric, were playing football at school. Jason fell to the
ground and hit his head.After the fall, Jason was able to speak but seemed
confused. Eric wanted to determine whether Jason was experiencing an
altered
state of consciousness.
a. Describe one characteristic of an altered state of consciousness. How
could Eric use this to determine Jason’s
state of consciousness?
2 marks
2012VCAA Exam

4. Answer
Assessor’s Report 2012

5. Psychological construct
A phenomena that is believed to exist but cannot be directly
measured
We cannot directly measure
consciousness
Instead using a range of other measures we can hypothesise
about what states of consciousness might be experienced

6. Electroencephalograph (EEG)
The EEG is a device that detects, amplifies and and records
electrical activity in the brain in the form of brainwaves.
Electrodes are attached to the surface of the scalp and
the activity of the brain is measured
Brainwaves can indicate an altered state of
consciousness.

7. EOG
An electro-oculargram (EOG) detects, amplifies
and records electrical activity of the muscles near
the eye.
A high level of electrical activity
indicates REM sleep.A low level of
electrical activity indicates NREM
sleep.

8. EMG
EMG (electromyograph) detects, amplifies and
records electrical activity of the muscles in the
body.
Very little or no activity indicates REM sleep.
An increase in activity indicates NREM
sleep.

9. Electrocardiograph (ECG)
A device that detects, amplifies, and records electrical activity
of the heart.
In ASC heart rate can vary. For
example, with the use of stimulants,
the heart rate increase. In other ASC
such as meditation heart rate can
decrease.

10. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical
conductivity of the skin.
As the skin becomes moist its electrical conductivity
increases
GSR may increase or decrease from
normal level when an individual’s
arousal is heightened or reduced, as in
an altered sate of consciousness.

11. Thermometer
Measures Body Temperature
Body temperature may increase or
decrease from normal level, indicative of
an altered state of consciousness. For
example, in sleep body temp gradually
drops when drifting off into deep sleep

12. Video Camera
Very little, or no body
movement indicates REM
sleep. An increase in
movement indicates NREM
sleep.
Monitor and record externally observable (or audio)
physiological responses durning sleep