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Consciousness Under the Spotlight: The Problem of Measuring Subjective Experience
Mikel Jimenez1, Antonio Prieto2, José Antonio Hinojosa3,4,5
1Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham, UK.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Measuring consciousness is challenging due to its subjective nature. This review compares objective and subjective awareness measures, exploring new methods and future challenges in consciousness research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Consciousness research faces challenges due to subjective experience, contrasting with objective scientific methods.
- The field grapples with methodological and theoretical hurdles in studying awareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical and current efforts in measuring consciousness and its absence.
- To compare objective (performance-based) and subjective (report-based) measures of awareness.
- To explore novel approaches and future challenges in consciousness research.
Main Methods:
- Review of early and contemporary research on consciousness measurement.
- Comparison of objective and subjective awareness measures, including their advantages and disadvantages.
- Evaluation of measures based on methodological considerations and potential for standardization (e.g., d').
Main Results:
- Identified two primary approaches: objective and subjective measures of awareness.
- Highlighted the inherent difficulties in comparing these measures directly.
- Discussed the potential of new methods like Bayesian models and machine learning.
Conclusions:
- Objective and subjective measures offer different insights into consciousness but face comparison challenges.
- Future research needs to address limitations and explore innovative techniques for a comprehensive understanding of awareness.
- Measuring qualia remains a significant future challenge in consciousness studies.
Keywords:
awarenessawareness measureconsciousnesssubjective/objective awareness thresholdunconscious perceptionMore Related Videos
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