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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4-page paper covers the concept of states of consciousness, with a specific focus on altered states gained through meditation. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MTpscystat.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
In recent years, scientists have been able to measure states of consciousness through electroencephalographs, or EEGs, which monitor brain wave activity. The levels of brainwaves range from Beta (awake and
alert) to Delta (deeply asleep) (Gusani, 2008). In between those two states, we have Alpha (meditation or very relaxed) and Theta (light sleep) levels (Gusani, 2008).
According to experimental psychologist George Mandler, consciousness becomes helpful during times when people are learning, making judgments and troubleshooting (Dewey, 2007).
But in recent years, psychologists have become particularly fascinated with the idea of "altered states" of consciousness; in other words, the states of consciousness
that can be achieved through deep medication, hypnosis and even deep prayer. Though these areas during the mid-to-late 20th century were considered on the fringes (if not downright ridiculous), psychologists
are taking a deeper look as to why, for example, shamans are able to heal themselves from various illnesses and injuries (Winkelman, 2002).
Bruce Bower pointed out in 2001 that scientists were starting to delve into the rather hazy world of mysticism and altered states, and how these impacted the brain. He
acknowledges that this is somewhat of a surprise, given that, since the 17th century, mysticism, science and healing have gone in separate directions (Bower, 2001). But in 2000, some researchers
issued what Bower dubbed as a "manifesto," entitled "Varieties of Anomalous Experience," which introduced scientific evidence dealing with altered states of consciousness (Bower, 2001). Among the topics introduced were mystical
and near-death experience as well as the more "fringe" reports of alien abductions (Bower, 2001). One scientist pointed out that such altered states were worth studying, as many times, these
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