Active learning ideas
This topic explores the nature of consciousness as a psychological construct, ranging from total awareness to complete lack of awareness. Students learn to distinguish between normal waking consciousness (NWC) and altered states of consciousness (ASC), whether naturally occurring like sleep or induced like alcohol consumption. They also examine the physiological measurements used to track these states, such as EEG, EMG, and EOG.
Activity 01
Set up stations with printed readouts of EEG, EMG, and EOG data. Students must work in groups to 'diagnose' the state of consciousness (e.g., deep sleep, alert, or intoxicated) based on the frequency and amplitude of the waves.
How do we measure states of consciousness using physiological and psychological indicators?
Activity 02
Pairs are given a list of characteristics (e.g., time orientation, content limitations, perceptual distortions). They must categorise how each one changes when moving from a classroom setting to a state of daydreaming or being under the influence of a stimulant.
What distinguishes normal waking consciousness from altered states?
Activity 03
Students use data to compare the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation with specific Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BAC). They must create a visual chart showing at what point 17 hours of wakefulness equals a 0.05 BAC in terms of reaction time.
How do stimulants and depressants affect brain wave patterns?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Consciousness is an 'all or nothing' state.
Students often think you are either awake or asleep. Using a 'continuum' activity where they place different activities (meditating, driving, dreaming) along a line of awareness helps them understand consciousness as a sliding scale.
EEG measures what a person is thinking.
Students sometimes think brain waves reveal thoughts. Through data analysis stations, they learn that EEG only measures the electrical activity (frequency and amplitude) of the brain, not the specific content of the mind.
Methods used in this brief
The Purpose and Function of Sleep
Examine the biological rhythms of sleep, including circadian and ultradian rhythms, and the stages of NREM and REM sleep. Students will evaluate evolutionary and restorative theories of sleep.
8 methodologies
Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Disorders
Analyse the effects of partial sleep deprivation on affective, behavioural, and cognitive functioning. Students will also explore interventions for circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
8 methodologies