Topic 5 (consciousness and cognition)
Consciousness and cognition are essential aspects of human experience that encompass
awareness, wakefullness, attention, and the ability to process information. Psychologist
define consciousness as the level of awareness during mental processes, including being
awake and aware of one’s surrounding. Theories of consciousness such as the global
workspace theory suggest that consciousness is a place where attention is focused on
important information. Conscious awarenedd results from synchronization of neurons
in different brain regions, and some theories propose that consciousness is a learned
process.
Consciousness has two dimensions: wakefulness, which reflects whether a person is
awake or asleep, and awareness, which involves monitoring information from the
environment and one’s thoughts. Different states of consciousness, such as sleeping,
dreaming, meditating, and wakefulness, are influenced by various factors. Coma,
vegetative state, minimally conscious state, and other disorders of consciousness can
compromise wakefulness and awareness.
Attention is the limited capacity to process information under conscious control.
Selective attention allows individuals to focus on specific features in the environment,
sustained attention helps maintain focus on a target or idea, and multitasking involves
shifting attention between different tasks. Meditation practices are used to calm the
mind, stabilise concentration and enhance awareness of the present moment.
Mindfulness meditation practices are used to calm the mind, stabilise concentration and
enhance awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness meditation can enhance well-
being, reduce stress and improve physical health. Changes in brain function and
structure can occur as a result of meditation training.
Sleeping and dreaming are important aspects of consciousness. Sleep occurs in the
context of circadian rhythms, with different stages of sleep characterized by specific
brain activity patterns. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is associated with dreaming
and beta\] waves. Sleep serves various functions, including restoring neural growth,
consolidate
ing memory, and cleaning up cerebral toxins. Disorders of sleep like insomnia,
sleepwalking and night terrors can disrupt sleep patterns.
Dreams are experiences that occur during sleep and can be interpreted through
psychoanalytic biological or cognitive theories. Hypnosis is a state characterized by
focused attention, suggestibility, and suspension of critical faculties. Certain drugs,
known as psychoactive substances, can alter consciousness by producing qualitative
changes in experience. Depressants like alcohol and sedatives slow down central
nervous system activity, while opioids provide pain relief and relaxation. Stimulants
like caffeine and nicotine activate the nervous system, and hallucinogens a distorted
perception of reality.
In conclusion, consciousness and cognition play a crucial role in human functioning,
influencing how we perceive the world, process information, and experience different
states of awareness. Understanding the mechanisms underlying consciousness can
enhance our knowledge of mental processes and behaviors.
