Consciousness has several different meanings. Provide two definitions and give an example of each. (4 pts)
Do you consider hypnosis and meditation to be altered states of consciousness? State your reasons why or why not and cite your supporting information. (5 pts)
Choose ONE of the three following scenarios and decide whether or not you believe it is an example of an altered state of consciousness. State your reasons why or why not. (5 pts)
Scenario 1: Alice was driving home from work one day consumed with thoughts about the dinner party she was planning for that night. Suddenly, she realized that she had already reached her destination and she could not remember much about the drive—which route she had taken, etc.
Scenario 2: In what he thought was a dream, Brian answered a phone call from his friend about attending band rehearsal in the morning. The next afternoon, Brian saw his friend at school and his friend asked him, “Where were you today? I called you about rehearsal last night.” Brian realized that it wasn’t just a dream and that he had actually answered the phone.
Scenario 3: One day, Marcus was rushed to the emergency room. While being treated, he suddenly felt as if he had left his body and was flying upward. When he stopped in midair, he saw ten angels singing. In an instant, he was flying back down towards the hospital room into his body sitting bolt upright in bed.
Give three examples of how an understanding of consciousness and altered states of consciousness can be used to help psychologists to treat patients. (6 pts)