1. AREA OF STUDY 1
METHODS OF MEASURING STATES OF
CONSCIOUSNESS

2. Can indicate different levels of consciousness:
 EEG (electroencephalograph)
 Heart rate
 Body temperature
 Breathing rate
 GSR (galvanic skin response)

3. In some ASCs heart rate increases (e.g.
stimulant drugs) while in others it decreases
from that recorded in normal waking
consciousness (e.g. asleep, unconscious,
meditating).

4. Measured by a thermometer
Body temperature drops markedly while a
person is asleep.
Normal temperature in NWC is 37 degrees.
When asleep, temp drops by 1 degree
Less than 33 degrees equals loss of
consciousness
41 – 44 degrees is big trouble!

5. This response indicates the change in the
resistence of the skin to an electric current (e.g.
the electrical conductivity of the skin).
To measure the GSR, electrodes are attached to
the fingers or palm of a hand. As the sweat
glands secrete sweat (as in physiological arousal)
the resistance of the skin to an electric current
decreases. The electrodes enable detection and
measurement of how easily the electric current
passes through the skin. Changes in GSR are
closely associated with emotional experiences.
E.g: high emotional arousal  increased sweating
 increase in electrical conductivity.

6. This device amplifies and records patterns of
electrical activity in the brain. Brain wave
patterns can vary in frequency (no. of
brainwaves per second) and amplitude (the
size of the peaks and troughs from a baseline
of zero activity).

8. LOW AMPLITUDE
HIGH FREQUENCY
LOW – MEDIUM
AMPLITUTDE
MEDIUM - HIGH
FREQUENCY
MEDIUM – HIGH
AMPLITUDE
LOW – MEDIUM
FREQUENCY
HIGH AMPLITUDE
LOW FREQUENCY

9.  Takes place in sleep laboratory – controlled
environment which enables electronic
recording and measurement of sleep
 Brainwave patterns are produced by a person
who is attached to an EEG

10.  Video recording used to assist in analysing
behaviours during sleep
 Can show:
 Frequent waking
 Snoring
 Movement during sleep
 Can be used in conjunction with self reports
so that the researcher can understand the
degree to which the sleep disorder may be
affecting the patient’s day to day activities

11.  Will be used in conjunction with an EEG to
determine eye movement during sleep
 During some stages of sleep, eyes are more
likely to move rapidly – this can help the
researcher understand which stage of sleep
the patient is experiencing

12.  Used to measure muscle tension in the body
during sleep
 During the day, muscles are tense as they are
being used
 During sleep, muscles gradually relax
reaching atonia (muscle paralysis)