Question

1. How is attention related to consciousness? Think about the video with the gorilla - why might we be blind to changes or other things to which we're not paying attention? Think of a time when you or someone around you has been blind to changes in their surroundings - what factors contributed to that change blindness?

2. Pick a theory of dreams explained in this chapter and describe it in your own words

What, after experiencing this chapter, is your own personal theory of dreams? How is it similar or different than the theory you chose to describe?

3. What is the difference between dependence, withdrawal, tolerance, and abuse?

4. Pick a class of drugs and describe their primary effects on consciousness?

What are some of the consequences of dependence and abuse of drugs in this class?

Answer 1

Attention is closely related to consciousness is an intimate one. When we pay attention to an object, we become conscious of its various attributes, whereas when we shift attention away, the object fades from consciousness. The video illustrates the phenomena of inattentional blindness, wherein we fail to notice an unexpected stimulus that is in plain sight. Because attention is highly selective in nature, i.e. it can focus only on a limited number of stimuli during a specific period of time, it is impossible for us to attend to all the stimuli in a given situation. Therefore a temporary, psychological blindness effect can take place as a result and individuals fail to see objects or stimuli that are unexpected and quite often salient.

As an example, I can recall several instances wherein I’ve been busy reading something on my phone and when I focus my perception to my surroundings, I find that I’ve overlooked many changes. When an object isn't conspicuous, it is easier to be inattentionally blind to it. In other words, if the object isn't visually prominent or relevant, there is a higher chance that a person will miss it. Another factor is expectation. When we expect certain things to happen, we tend to block out other possibilities. This can lead to inattentional blindness.