In this video we’ll consider a different state of consciousness that occurs during sleep. Our pattern of wakefulness and drowsiness varies throughout the course of the day and this is known as our circadian rhythm. This cycle is influenced by … Read More
How Much Control Do We Have Over Our Minds?
In this video I consider how much control we have over our own minds. We may not have as much control as we think and this can be demonstrated in ironic processes of mental control as well as unconscious processes. … Read More
Characteristics of Consciousness
In this video I describe 4 characteristics of human consciousness. These include unity, intentionality, selectivity, and transience. The selectivity of our consciousness and our ability to filter out perceptions which are deemed irrelevant can be demonstrated in the Cocktail Party … Read More
States of Consciousness Knowledge Organizer
Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential terms for states of consciousness in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual knowledge you need to have in order … Read More
Levels of Consciousness
In this video I describe different levels of consciousness that we have based on our level of access to different types of information. These include conscious, preconscious, subconscious/unconscious, and nonconscious levels of awareness. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel … Read More
Types of Consciousness
In this video I describe a spectrum of consciousness, ranging from minimal consciousness up to full human consciousness. Along the way, recognition of the self may be an important marker for differentiating some animals. The ability to be self-conscious and … Read More
Problems of Consciousness
In this video I begin the unit on consciousness by considering a number of problems associated with understanding consciousness. These include the mind-body problem, the problem of other minds, and the hard problem of consciousness. While we don’t have solutions … Read More
What is the Circadian Rhythm?
Our sleeping pattern follows a circadian rhythm, which is really just a way of saying a daily pattern of wakefulness and sleepiness (circadian derived from Latin: circa – “about” and diem– “day”). Our circadian rhythm is influenced by environmental factors, … Read More
States of Consciousness Resources
On this page you’ll find a number of resources for understanding states of consciousness, including consciousness and attention, the circadian rhythm and sleep cycles, drugs, hypnosis, and meditation. If I’ve missed a good resource, please share it in the comments … Read More
Robert Stickgold on the Importance of Sleep
This is a fantastic interview with one of my favorite former professors, Robert Stickgold, who discusses the many important functions that sleep has. He touches on the unity of consciousness, immune function, memory processing, endocrine function and obesity, emotional regulation, … Read More