Final answer:
Consciousness is the term that encompasses our awareness of internal and external stimuli, including thoughts, feelings, sensations, and environment. It represents both the state of being conscious and the quality of awareness. 'Consciousness' is the correct answer to the question posed by the student.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Consciousness
The term 'consciousness' refers to our awareness of internal and external stimuli. This entails recognizing our own thoughts, emotions, and sensations, as well as being attuned to the environment around us. For example, when you feel hunger, that is an internal stimulus, while seeing the light from the sun is an external one. The concept of consciousness also extends to different states, such as sleep and wakefulness. During sleep, our sensory awareness is reduced, whereas wakefulness is marked by high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior. Consciousness is not always complete; even while awake, one might not be fully aware of their surroundings, such as during daydreaming. Options like 'awareness' and 'attention' describe components or focuses of consciousness, but 'consciousness' is the broader concept that encapsulates the entire experience of being aware.
Therefore, with respect to the choices provided in the question, 'consciousness' is the correct term that describes an individual's awareness of one's own perceptions, thoughts, feelings, sensations, and external environment. This encompasses not just the state of being conscious but also the quality of one's awareness. While attention is a significant factor in perception, it refers more to the process of selectively concentrating on certain stimuli.