Nature of Consciousness

When experiencing normal waking consciousness

• we cannot shift to an alternate state unless we choose to do so.

• we are usually aware of our internal state but not the external world.

• we can usually restrict the type or amount of information flowing in and out.

• we are usually aware of our internal state but not the external world

James can sing along to music on the radio while driving his car and efficiently navigate to his friend’s house at the same time. This illustrates a feature of consciousness involving

• concentration.

• selective attention.

• divided attention.

• controlled processing.

Which of the following data collection procedures usually involves self-monitoring?

• video monitoring

• sleep diary

• laboratory observation

• naturalistic observation

A computer-assisted speed and accuracy test is best described as a/an ________ measure.

• subjective

• objective

• biased

• physiological

High-frequency brain waves are ________ and therefore involve ________ brain waves per unit of time.

• faster; more

• slower; less

• faster; less

• slower; more

Brianna is relaxing with eyes closed after having concentrated for more than 15 minutes while solving a complex maths problem. When solving the problem, Brianna’s brain wave pattern was predominantly ________ waves, and when she relaxed and closed her eyes it was predominantly ________waves.

• alpha, beta

• beta; alpha

• theta, alpha

• beta; delta

Ollie has a very high fever after contracting a virus. While lying awake in bed, he begins to feel as though ants are crawling all over his body, and says he can see them, despite there being no ants.

Ollie is most likely experiencing ________ with ________ .

• normal waking consciousness; self-control

• normal waking consciousness; divided attention

• an altered state of consciousness; perceptual distortions

• normal waking consciousness; perceptual distortions

Which of the following sequences best illustrates the consciousness continuum from most aware to least aware?

• coma → asleep → drowsy → answering an exam question

• answering an exam question → asleep → drowsy → coma

• coma → asleep → answering an exam question → drowsy

• answering an exam question → drowsy → asleep → coma

Which pattern shows the brain waves of a very alert person during normal waking consciousness?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following is the most likely effect to be associated with an altered state of consciousness rather than normal waking consciousness?

• misperception of the passage of time

• self-control

• emotional control

• heightened self-awareness