Psychology 3A Consciousness
). Define the term Consciousness
The awareness of objects and events in the external world and of our own existence and mental processes at any given moment
Define Normal waking consciousness
States of consciousness associated with bring awake and aware of our thoughts, memories, feelings and sensations we are experiencing from the outside world. NWC constantly changing but despite this our perception and thoughts ares till organised and clear.
Define attention
a concentration of mental activity that involves focusing on specific stimuli and ignoring other stimuli. Can be focused on: internal thoughts or feelings or external stimuli
Define selective attention
Involves selectively attending to certain stimuli while ignoring others. Research suggests that people notice very little that is not attended to. MOre likely to attend to something if it is important to us, if it changes in some way or if it is a novel.
Define divided attention
The ability to distribute ones attention and undertake two or more activities simultaneously. Depends on how much conscious effort is required for the tasks (not complex)
Content Limitation
Content in NWC is more limited than content in altered states (ASC) because we can exercise some control over what we allow into NWC (selective attention). Able to block out info that makes us feel self-conscious, embarrassed etc. During ASC there is little control therefore content is not as limited.
Controlled Processes
Processing of info that involves conscious, alert awareness and mental effort. Actively focus attention. NWC not one simple state. We experience varying degrees of awareness. Top- high levels of concentration e.g. computer games.
Automatic Processes
Any activity that requires low levels of conc. Little conscious effort, minimal attention, don't interfere with any other tasks. Used when task is familiar or easy. They are "parallel" we can handle two or more activities at once