States of Consciousness
Understanding consciousness and what it encompasses is critical to an appreciation of what is meant by a given state of consciousness. The study of variations in consciousness includes an examination of the sleep cycle, dreams, hypnosis, and the effects of psychoactive drugs (This unit is 2-4 percent of the Multiple choice section of the AP exam, and as a result, we will not spend much time on it.)
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Describe various states of consciousness and their impact on behavior.
• Discuss aspects of sleep and dreaming:
— stages and characteristics of the sleep cycle;
— theories of sleep and dreaming;
— symptoms and treatments of sleep disorders.
• Describe historic and contemporary uses of hypnosis (e.g., pain control, psychotherapy).
• Explain hypnotic phenomena (e.g., suggestibility, dissociation).
• Identify the major psychoactive drug categories (e.g., depressants, stimulants) and classify specific drugs, including their psychological and physiological effects.
• Discuss drug dependence, addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal.
• Identify the major figures in consciousness research (e.g., William James, Sigmund Freud, Ernest Hilgard).
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Describe various states of consciousness and their impact on behavior.
• Discuss aspects of sleep and dreaming:
— stages and characteristics of the sleep cycle;
— theories of sleep and dreaming;
— symptoms and treatments of sleep disorders.
• Describe historic and contemporary uses of hypnosis (e.g., pain control, psychotherapy).
• Explain hypnotic phenomena (e.g., suggestibility, dissociation).
• Identify the major psychoactive drug categories (e.g., depressants, stimulants) and classify specific drugs, including their psychological and physiological effects.
• Discuss drug dependence, addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal.
• Identify the major figures in consciousness research (e.g., William James, Sigmund Freud, Ernest Hilgard).
Unit Resources
Powerpoint on States of Consciousness that follows along with the chapter of the book
A topical Powerpoint on Sleep you may find helpful Mouse Party: This website is an interactive Lab where you will be able to see how different Drugs effect the brain Practice Multiple Choice Questions for this Unit Course-Notes.org section to accompany chapter 7 of the book (SOC) Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock: This ap for smart phones uses the concept of examining sleep cycles to wake you more easily than a traditional alarm clock. (I am not endorsing this product, but may students have found it interesting, entertaining, and helpful) Vocabulary List for the Unit |
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Daily Activities
8 January:-Introduction to States of Consciousness. We will discuss the various states of consciousness that we all go through and include a brief discussion on how some people chose to alter their consciousness.
9 January- Today we will discuss various cycles we go through in our consciousness. We will hit on the annual cycle, monthly cycle, daily cycle and get into sleep cycles. We will view the following video clip as part of these discussions.
9 January- Today we will discuss various cycles we go through in our consciousness. We will hit on the annual cycle, monthly cycle, daily cycle and get into sleep cycles. We will view the following video clip as part of these discussions.
10 January: Today we will continue to discuss dreams and the roles they play. As a part of this discussion we will view the following videos.
After we wrap up the discussion on sleep and dreams, we will get into addiction and drugs. The discussion will focus on physical versus psychological addiction and discuss examples of both. We will view the following film as a part of this discussion of psychological addiction.
13 January: Today you will take your vocab quiz for the unit. Afterwards we will review sleep and dreams and discuss Stimulants and Depressants. We may view the following video clips if time permits.
14 January: Today we will go over how most of the psychoactive drugs and how they work. In addition to the discussion, we will use the "Mouse Party" website from the resources above. We will also view the following videos as a part of our discussions on issues with sleep, especially narcolepsy, insomnia and Apnea.
15 January: Today we will take the exam on this unit. We will begin class by reviewing any material you may still have questions on.