Module+7+Sleep+&+Dreams

[|**What is consciousness?**] The link here is fairly challenging. It is not meant to be taken seriously, but the fact that the various definitions of consciousness shown should suggest just how challenging a definition of this concept can be. Do you meditate? Daydream? Use visualization to do better in sport? If so, you have been in a different state of consciousness than what you are in right now as you read this. Are you always aware of your surroundings? Do you believe that there was a pre-conscious mind, and that only recently, say in the last three-thousand years has man evolved to the state where he became aware of himself as having possibly a 'bicameral' mind, or of having a dual level of consciousness. What is needed for there to be consciousness? Some, for example B.F. Skinner, believe that we need language to have a conscious mind. That prior to language acquisition we really had little awareness (read: consciousness). Can one have a higher level of consciousness via discipline? Consider the sadhus of India that spend hours and hours meditating and controlling their minds, and ultimately their own bodies to achieve near super-human feats. Do they have higher consciousness than the layman? Notes for this module: Read: pp. 147-149, 150-154,156-157, 160-163. (a total of 14 pages) Read them in these bunches.

Prepare an answer for the following questions
 * Assignment 1 Controversies about Consciousness**
 * 1) Do you day dream? Why do you day dream? While doing so are you conscious (aware) of what is going on around you? Would you say that this is a different level of consciousness?
 * 2) Have you ever used visualization is sports or in performing arts (or even in test or presentation preparation)? While engaging in this activity would you say that you were in a different state of consciousness?
 * 3) Have you ever experienced an altered state of consciousness because of something you ate or drank? How was this different than your normal state of consciousness?
 * 4) How would you define the concept of "consciousness"? Do you think there is such a thing, apart from the physiological activity of the brain, to define it? Why, or why not?
 * 5) Do animals have consciousness? Upon what evidence do you base your belief? Does the question of animal consciousness bear on the debate regarding the use of animals in research? Why or why not?
 * 6) Can a person achieve a "higher state" of consciousness? What do you think this means? If you believe that there is such a thing, how would a person manifest its achievement?

Be sure to post by the end of your first class what you feel and or believe is consciousness. Title it: "Consciousness is.." Be sure to note your name at the end of your entry, i.e. -John Smith.
 * What is consciousness?**

One level of consciousness we experience is that while we sleep (see below for a description of the sleep cycle). Of course we don't always get the sleep that we need. In some cases (see: [|Changes in Sleep Patterns of Korean Youth]and [|Korean Children Don't Get Enough Sleep Chosun Ilbo] ) there is a near crisis in sleep. Still, some researchers have concluded that we can be trained to reduce our sleep time to three hours a night - an amount most all health care practitioners would say is dangerous to one's well-being and over-all health. Example of Studies:
 * Assignment 2 Sleep Study**
 * **Problem -** Create a study or experiment (proposal in both cases). This study should examine the issue of sleep in the student body at KIS or in your own life (lives).
 * **Method -** You and your partner(s) are to create a proposal focusing on sleep. This can be done as an experimental research proposal or as a descriptive research proposal.
 * For the experimental study you must include:
 * Statement of the problem. This is to be done thoroughly. It must be at least one full paragraph. Included here should be reference to at least two sources of literature on the issue. See Questia.
 * Significance of the problem. Again, at least one paragraph explaining why this is an issue of importance. Why should we be concerned? What problems exist due to it etc.?
 * Definitions, assumptions, and limitations. This is where you will focus on terminology that is used in the study. What factors, or factor are 'givens'? And what are the inherent limitations of your experimental study.
 * Your hypothesis.
 * Research method - Detail this.
 * Time for study.
 * For the observational study you must include:
 * Statement of the problem. This is to be done thoroughly. It must be at least one full paragraph. Included here should be reference to at least two sources of literature on the issue. See Questia.
 * Questions which your study will seek to answer.
 * Data collection - Explain how your data will be collected. Describe any limitations that may be encountered by use of your methodology.
 * Data analysis - Explain how your data will be analyzed and presented (graphic format, etc.)
 * Your hypothesis.
 * Grading:
 * This is a project/test grade.
 * It's weight will be 20 points total.
 * Partners must provide an written review (one paragraph) of another partner's effort/performance in this assignment. Failure to do so will result in a penalty of negative five marks being taken off your personal grade.
 * Criteria:
 * Completeness of task - just how robust was your writing and effort here.
 * Importance of your study to understanding the problem. Was this just an ad hoc attempt, or was your focus genuine and of value. Remember, we want to learn something of value when we do these things.
 * Language: all elements related to the use of language in writing
 * Format: Title page, headings, double-space, 12 point.
 * Must be in hard copy. One per group with reviews of partner(s)
 * Groups from 1 to 3.


 * The Sleep Cycle**



[|www.assc.caltech.edu/] - Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness [|www.sleepnet.com] - This is about sleep disorders. [|www.sleepfoundation.org/nsaw/sleepiq99i.html] - More information about sleep and problems associated with it. [|www.lucidity.com] - Go here to pursue more information on lucid dreaming. [] - For the meaning of dreams and information related to dreaming.
 * Links for this module:**

The video below is required viewing for psychology students in Introductory Psychology. This is a very good series narrated by a very popular American psychologist, Phil Zombardo. The episode you want to watch is //The Mind Awake and Asleep (Episode 13)// [|Understanding Research from Discovering Psychology]
 * Video**
 * Be sure to watch this video episode in preparation for the essay question posted above. You are responsible for this video's content.**


 * Movie Link (Sorry, but this Youtube selection could not be embedded)**
 * Alternative assignment if you missed a previous viewing of a film. Get a copy of the film below, view and complete the questions assigned**
 * [|//The Cell//]**
 * Questions:**
 * 1) What stage of sleep were the two people in when she was able to enter their dreams?
 * 2) Compare and contrast the states of consciousness experienced by Lopez's character, the little boy, and the killer.
 * 3) Do you believe that it will be possible to one day enter someone's dreams to see what they are thinking? Why or why not?

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