Lesson 2 - Sleep and

Methods of

physiological

responses of

Consciousness

Practice 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

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.

EMGEMG (electromyograph) detects, amplifies

and records electrical activity of the muscles

in the body.

Very little or no activity indicates REM

sleep. An increase in activity indicates

NREM sleep.

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.

Thermomete

r

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.