1. Lesson 4 - Methods of
physiological responses of
Consciousness
Monday, 7 January 2013

2. Objectives
• Outline limitations to subjective measures to states of consciousness
• Describe and evaluate the methods used to study the level of alertness in normal
waking consciousness and the stages of sleep: measurement of physiological
responses including;
– electroencephalograph (EEG)
- electromyograph (EMG)
– electrooculargraph (EOG)
– heart rate (ECG)
– body temperature
– galvanic skin response (GSR)
• Describe the characteristics of the four brainwaves recorded with EEG recordings
• Explain how the measurement of physiological responses can indicate different
states of consciousness, including electrical activity of the brain and other
physiological responses, including heart rate, body temperature and galvanic skin
response.
• Describe the characteristics of a beta, alpha, Theta, and delta brainwave in terms of
frequency and amplitude
• Identify when alpha, theta, and delta brainwaves occur in terms of states of
consciousness
Monday, 7 January 2013

3. From last lesson...... Lesson 3 - Altered states
of consciousness.
Exam Question
Question 3
Two boys, Jason and Eric, were playing football at school. Jason fell to the
ground and hit his head. After the fall, Jason was able to speak but seemed
confused. Eric wanted to determine whether Jason was experiencing an
altered
state of consciousness.
a. Describe one characteristic of an altered state of consciousness. How
could Eric use this to determine Jason’s
state of consciousness?
2 marks
2012 VCAA Exam
Monday, 7 January 2013

4. Answer
Assessor’s Report 2012
Monday, 7 January 2013

5. Psychological construct
A phenomena that is believed to exist but cannot be directly
measured
We cannot directly measure
consciousness
Instead using a range of other measures we can hypothesise
about what states of consciousness might be experienced
Monday, 7 January 2013

6. Electroencephalograph (EEG)
The EEG measures electrical activity in the localised
areas of the brain. Electrodes are attached to the
surface of the scalp and the activity of the brain is
measured
Brainwaves can indicate an altered state of
consciousness.
Did anybody see today/tonight episode on this?
Monday, 7 January 2013

7. Beta
• High frequency, and low amplitude
• Associated with normal waking
consciousness and focused attention
Monday, 7 January 2013

8. Alpha waves
• High frequency, but slower than beta
• Low amplitude, but slightly higher than Beta
• Associated with relaxed mediative state
Monday, 7 January 2013

9. Theta waves
• Medium frequency, slower than alpha and
beta
• Mixture of high and low amplitude waves
• Associated with early or light sleep
Monday, 7 January 2013

10. Delta waves
• Lowest frequency
• Highest amplitude
• Associated with deepest stages of sleep
Monday, 7 January 2013

11. Monday, 7 January 2013

12. EOG
An electro-oculargram (EOG) detects, amplifies
and records electrical activity of the muscles
near the eye.
A high level of electrical activity
indicates REM sleep. A low level of
electrical activity indicates NREM
sleep.
Monday, 7 January 2013

13. EMG
EMG (electromyograph) detects, amplifies and
records electrical activity of the muscles in
Very little or no activity indicates REM
sleep. An increase in activity indicates
NREM sleep.
Monday, 7 January 2013

14. Electrocardiograph (ECG)
Measures Heart Rate
In ASC heart rate can vary. For
example, with the use of
stimulants, the heart rate increase.
In other ASC such as meditation
heart rate can decrease.
Monday, 7 January 2013

15. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
Measures the electrical conductivity of the skin
GSR may increase or decrease from
normal level when an individual’s
arousal is heightened or reduced, as
in an altered sate of consciousness.
Monday, 7 January 2013

16. Thermometer
Measures Body Temperature
Body temperature may increase or
decrease from normal level, indicative
of an altered state of consciousness.
For example, in sleep body temp
gradually drops when drifting off into
deep sleep
Monday, 7 January 2013

17. Video Camera
Monitor and record externally observable (or audio)
physiological responses durning sleep
Very little, or no body
movement indicates REM
sleep. An increase in
movement indicates NREM
sleep.
Monday, 7 January 2013

18. Essential Learning Activities
Activity 1 - Make a model of brain wave patterns.
For each brainwave pattern you must build a model with the materials provided. You
then must complete the following:
• Identify the brain wave pattern
• Describe the brain wave pattern in terms of its frequency and amplitude. For
example, high frequency.
• Explain what the brainwave is associated with. For example, NWC or ASC.
Activity 2 - Recall Test
Hand written
Monday, 7 January 2013