What is consciousness? Various levels of being aware of, and responsive to, one’s thoughts, feelings, environment, and internal sensations Various levels of being aware of, and responsive to, one’s thoughts, feelings, environment, and internal sensations Not just an “on” and “off” switch Not just an “on” and “off” switch Infinite points along a continuum Infinite points along a continuum

The Continuum of Consciousness Controlled Processes Automatic Processes DaydreamingAltered states of consciousness + Sleep and Dreams Un- conscious COMPLETE FOCUS BRAIN DEAD

Controlled Processes Activities that require full awareness, alertness, and concentration Activities that require full awareness, alertness, and concentration Generally interfere with other ongoing activities Generally interfere with other ongoing activities Examples: Examples: Studying Studying Learning a new skill Learning a new skill Parallel parking Parallel parking

Automatic Processes Activities that require little awareness, take minimal attention, and do not interfere with other ongoing activities Activities that require little awareness, take minimal attention, and do not interfere with other ongoing activities Examples: Examples: Eating Eating Walking Walking Driving a familiar route Driving a familiar route

DaydreamingDaydreaming Pros: Pros: Relieve boredom Relieve boredom Remind us of important things Remind us of important things Solve problems Solve problems Cons: Miss important information Make mistakes Dangerous in many situations

Altered States An awareness different from normal consciousness An awareness different from normal consciousness Result from a variety of procedures such as meditation, drugs, hypnosis, and sensory or sleep deprivation Result from a variety of procedures such as meditation, drugs, hypnosis, and sensory or sleep deprivation