Test your knowledge on consciousness. This activity uses JavaScript - a feature included in most recent web browsers. If the activity doesn't work then you should check that this feature hasn't been switched off or disabled. Check your browser's help files for more information on this.

1. How could you find out whether an alien visiting earth had "consciousness"?

a. ask it - if it understands the question, it's got consciousness
b. there's no way to tell for sure
c. if it's not human, it's not conscious

2. What do philosophers mean by the "ghost in the machine"?

a. the mind
b. the bloodstream
c. the brain

3. Which of the following do we know for sure has no consciousness?

a. washing machine
b. A zombie
c. an axe-murderer

4. Which of the following is NOT considered to be an Altered State of Consciousness?

a. drunkenness
b. sleep
c. hunger

5. Which of the following requires consciousness?

a. writing a shopping list
b. driving a car
c. breathing

6. Why is it true to say that for an accomplished piano player, consciousness is not always required for the performance?

a. because a conscious thought is slower than the speed of his/her fingers
b. because the pianist could be bored by this piece
c. because if the pianist fell asleep he/she could continue to play

7. How long does it take to have a conscious thought on average?

a. 0.05 of a second
b. 0.5 of a second
c. 1 second

8. What's the name for the type of cells thought to be responsible for consciousness?

a. lymphocytes
b. neurons
c. cytoplasm

9. Can you tap into another person's consciousness directly?

a. only while they're unconscious
b. yes using MRI scans
c. only if you're in the movie Being John Malkovitch?

10. Is your consciousness affected by having a general anaesthetic before an operation?

a. no - just your physical state
b. yes - definitely, or you would feel great pain
c. depends on the anaesthetic

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