Final answer:
Meditation is considered lower on the states of consciousness continuum compared to divided attention due to its inward focus and reduced sensory awareness, whereas divided attention involves high sensory awareness and the capacity to multi-task, placing it higher on the continuum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding States of Consciousness in Meditation and Divided Attention
In terms of the states of consciousness continuum, meditation is usually considered to be a lower state than divided attention because it encompasses a relaxed awareness and a focus that tunes out external stimuli, whereas divided attention requires the allocation of attention to multiple tasks or external stimuli simultaneously. When meditating, individuals aim to clear their mind to achieve this state of quietude and direct their focus inwardly, often leading to decreased awareness of physical surroundings. This process involves significant reductions in physical activity and sensory awareness, thereby placing it lower on the consciousness continuum compared to states that demand greater interaction with and processing of surrounding environments, such as divided attention.
Divided attention refers to our ability to distribute our attention and juggle multiple tasks at once. This requires increased energy demands on the brain as it processes several streams of information. Examples include talking while driving or listening to music while working. Consequently, this state involves high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior, positioning it higher on the consciousness continuum due to the active engagement and monitoring of external stimuli.