Chapter 4 focuses on the states of consciousness. While some psychologists prefer to exclude studying the topic because of its reliance on "unscientific" introspections of experimental participants, contemporary psychologists support the view that several approaches permit the scientific study of consciousness. We can study brain wave patterns under conditions of consciousness ranging from sleep to waking to hypnotic trances. Also, understanding the chemistry of drugs such as marijuana and alcohol has provided insights into the way they provide pleasurable --as well as adverse-- effects.

Another reason for the study of consciousness is the realization that people in many different cultures routinely seek ways to alter their states of consciousness.

Consciousness may alter thinking. It may alter people's sense of time and perceptions about oneself or the world. This chapter considers several states of consciousness, such as sleeping and dreaming, the states of hypnosis and meditation and finally drug-induced states of consciousness.

To further investigate the topics covered in this chapter, you can visit the related websites by visiting the following link:
http://www.mhhe.com/feldmaness5-04links.

Section 1: Sleep and Dreams The Stages of Sleep REM Sleep: The Paradox of Sleep Why Do We Sleep and How Much Sleep Is Necessary? The Function and Meaning of Dreaming Sleep Disturbances: Slumbering Problems Circadian Rhythms: Life Cycles Daydreams: Dreams Without Sleep Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology: Sleeping Better

Section 2: Hypnosis and Meditation Hypnosis: A Trance-Forming Experience? Meditation: Regulating Our Own State of Consciousness Exploring Diversity: Cross-Cultural Routes to Altered States of Consciousness

Section 3: Drug Use: The Highs and Lows of Consciousness Stimulants: Drug Highs Applying Psychology in the 21st Century: Just Say No-to DARE? Finding Antidrug Programs That Work Depressants: Drug lows Narcotics: Relieving Pain and Anxiety Hallucinogens: Psychedelic Drugs Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology: Identifying Drug and Alcohol Problems