Lesson 4 measuring physiological responses 2013

Lesson 4 - Methods of physiological responses of

Consciousness

Monday, 7 January 2013

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


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


Answer

Assessor’s Report 2012


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


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?


Beta

• High frequency, and low amplitude

• Associated with normal waking consciousness and focused attention


Alpha waves

• High frequency, but slower than beta

• Low amplitude, but slightly higher than Beta

• Associated with relaxed mediative state


Theta waves

• Medium frequency, slower than alpha and beta

• Mixture of high and low amplitude waves

• Associated with early or light sleep


Delta waves

• Lowest frequency

• Highest amplitude

• Associated with deepest stages of sleep



EOGAn 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.


EMGEMG (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.


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.


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.


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


Video Camera

Very little, or no body movement indicates REM sleep. An increase in movement indicates NREM sleep.

Monitor and record externally observable (or audio) physiological responses durning sleep


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


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Lesson 4 measuring physiological responses 2013