BBB - Consciousness Lesson
Learning Targets:
- Discuss the role and evolution of the concept of consciousness throughout the history of psychology.
- Describe how modern cognitive neuroscience is uncovering the mechanisms of dual processing.
Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.
Exploring Consciousness and Cognitive Neuroscience
Consciousness is a fundamental aspect of human experience and has been a critical focus in psychology throughout history. It encompasses varying levels of awareness of our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the events in our internal and external worlds. An essential part of consciousness includes the different states of awareness, such as sleep and wakefulness.
The study of consciousness in psychology dates back to the late 1800s when researchers began examining it through introspection. However, behaviorism gained prominence at the start of the twentieth century, leading to a shift from studying consciousness. Behaviorists believe that psychology should focus solely on observable behaviors for scientific validation.
In the late 1950s, psychologists again redirected their attention to the exploration of consciousness, acknowledging its significance in understanding human behavior. With advancements in technology and knowledge, researchers began unraveling the intricate mechanisms of conscious and unconscious processes.
Throughout each day, individuals experience fluctuations in their levels of consciousness, noticing moments of heightened or reduced awareness. Studies have shown that our levels of consciousness tend to dip during specific times, such as around 3 am or 3 pm. Brain activity remains active even during sleep, illustrating that consciousness is not limited to wakeful states.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Modern cognitive neuroscience plays a crucial role in delving deeper into the mysteries of consciousness by exploring how the brain's activities are linked to mental processes. Through brain scans, researchers can identify mental activities in unresponsive patients, showcasing the connection between brain functions and conscious experiences.
Dual Processing
One intriguing concept in cognitive neuroscience is dual processing, which suggests that conscious and unconscious mental activities co-occur. The brain operates on two levels: the conscious, deliberate high road and the unconscious, automatic low road. These pathways work in tandem, influencing our cognition, emotions, and behaviors.
Parallel processing is another phenomenon where multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem are processed simultaneously. For instance, when we perceive a visual scene, our brain processes color, shape, and movement concurrently. On the other hand, sequential processing involves focusing on one task at a time, ideal for solving complex problems that require sustained attention.
In conclusion, exploring consciousness and cognitive neuroscience offers valuable insights into the complexity of human cognition and behavior. By understanding the mechanisms behind conscious experiences and mental processes, researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of the mind, paving the way for innovative discoveries in psychology.
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Dual Processing
Cognition:
- Conscious, High Road: The level of processing involves our voluntary, intentional thoughts and decision-making processes. When we engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning, we are utilizing the conscious high road. This aspect of cognition allows us to exert control over our thoughts and actions consciously.
- Unconscious, Low Road: On the other hand, the unconscious low road operates without our conscious awareness. It handles automatic processes, such as habitual behaviors, quick judgements, and implicit biases. This level of cognition is fast, efficient, and often influences decisions without us realizing it.
Emotions:
- Conscious, High Road: Our conscious emotions are those that we are aware of and cane articulate. When we consciously experience feelings like joy, sadness, or anger, we are engaging with our emotions on the high road level. This allows us to reflect and regulate our emotional responses consciously.
- Unconscious, Low Road: Emotions also unfold at an unconscious level, impacting our reactions and behaviors without our explicit recognition. The low road processes emotional stimuli rapidly, triggering instinctual responses and emotional associations that guide our behavior.
Behaviors:
- Conscious, High Road: Our conscious behaviors are the ones that we intentionally choose and execute with awareness. When we make deliberate decisions, plan our actions, and communicate consciously, we are operating on the high road level of behavior. This level allows us to adapt our actions based on conscious deliberation.
- Unconscious, Low Road: Unconscious behaviors are often driven by automatic routines, learned responses, and implicit biases that operate beneath our conscious awareness. These automatic behaviors can influence our habits, reactions, and social interactions without us consciously monitoring them.
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