EPANDING THE CONTENT OF AN OUTLINE using notes.pptx
Outcome 1 Measuring SOC
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).
7.
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)