Introduction to Human Consciousness in Psychology

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES Human Consciousness The study of consciousness has a long and complicated history in psychology. It has been the subject of research for centuries and has been approached from different perspectives and theoretical frameworks. An early influential approach to the study of consciousness was structuralism, which emerged in the late 19th century. Structuralists attempt to break down conscious experience into its basic components, or "structures," through observation and selfevaluation. Another approach that arose in the early 20th century was behaviorism, which completely rejected the study of consciousness in favor of the study of observable behavior. This led to a period of neglect of the study of consciousness in psychology. In the 1950s and 1960s, a new approach to the study of consciousness emerged known as cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychologists seek to understand the mental processes that underlie conscious experience, such as perception, attention, memory, and language. Recently, advances in neuroscience and brain imaging technologies have led to renewed interest in the study of consciousness. Scientists are now investigating the neural basis of consciousness, as well as the subjective experience of consciousness and its relationship to behavior and cognition. The study of consciousness in psychology is a complex and multifaceted field of research that has evolved over time and remains the subject of ongoing research and debate. Causes of Human Consciousness A complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be influenced by many factors. Here are some of the factors that affect human consciousness: 1. Sleep The amount and quality of a person's sleep can have a significant effect on their level of consciousness. Lack of sleep can lead to sleepiness, decreased alertness, and decreased cognitive function. 2. Drugs and Medications The use of drugs and medications can have a significant effect on consciousness. Some drugs can alter perception, mood, and cognitive function, while others can induce an altered state of consciousness. 3. Stress and Trauma Stress and trauma can cause changes in consciousness such as dissociation or depersonalization. These changes can affect vision, memory and self-awareness. 4. Mental Disorder Some mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can alter consciousness and perception. In some cases, individuals with these disorders may experience hallucinations or delusions. 5. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices like meditation and mindfulness can alter consciousness by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. These practices can also lead to altered states of consciousness, such as heightened awareness or expanded consciousness. 6. Brain Damage and Injury Brain damage, such as traumatic brain injury or stroke, can have a significant impact on consciousness. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, an individual may experience changes in perception, memory, and cognitive function. 7. Hypnosis: Hypnosis A state of altered consciousness that can be induced by suggestion. During hypnosis, a person may experience changes in perception and suggestion. Human consciousness is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can be influenced by many factors. Understanding these factors can help us better understand the nature of consciousness and its role in human experience. The Nature of Consciousness A complex and often debated topic in philosophy and psychology. While there is no universally accepted definition or theory of consciousness, it is generally understood to refer to our subjective experience of the world around us. Consciousness includes various mental processes such as perception, attention, memory and reasoning. It is an experience of awareness of oneself, one's surroundings and one's mental state. Consciousness also includes our ability to examine or reflect on our own thoughts and feelings. Some theories of consciousness suggest that it is a fundamental aspect of the universe, similar to space, time, and matter. Others argue that it is an emergent property of the brain that arises from the complex interactions of neurons and neural networks. A common way to characterize consciousness is in terms of its content and structure. Conscious experience is usually characterized by a specific focus or point of attention and is composed of various experiences, thoughts, emotions, and other mental content. Despite its complexity and difficulty in defining, consciousness is an important aspect of the human experience, influencing our perceptions, thoughts, emotions and behaviour. More research is needed to fully understand the nature of consciousness and its role in human cognition and behavior.