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| A four-part model of the mind |
If we take the model of the conscious mind, developed in Chapter 6, and add it on top of the three-level model of the subconscious mind developed in the previous section, then we create a simple four-part model of the whole mind.
A key feature of this model is that the subconscious mind and the physical brain are integrated. Each level of the subconscious is directly associated with a physical part of the brain and each level of the subconscious has its own memory, skills, emotions, and sensory input. Another feature of this model is the implication that much of the neural activity in our brains occurs at the subconscious level.
Research by Joseph Le Doux (The Emotional Brain, 1996) provides supporting physical evidence for a model of the mind with more than one level of subconscious. He found that there are at least two channels for the flow of sensory input. One route leads directly to the mid-brain complex for a rapid response, while a second route reaches the forebrain about 0.25 seconds later for a more detailed evaluation. So you might jump up when you see a big spider, but then realize that it is harmless as it goes about its business.
The four-part model of the mind provides a framework that can lead to a better understanding of your conscious and subconscious capabilities.
Research by Joseph Le Doux (The Emotional Brain, 1996) provides supporting physical evidence for a model of the mind with more than one level of subconscious. He found that there are at least two channels for the flow of sensory input. One route leads directly to the mid-brain complex for a rapid response, while a second route reaches the forebrain about 0.25 seconds later for a more detailed evaluation. So you might jump up when you see a big spider, but then realize that it is harmless as it goes about its business.
The four-part model of the mind provides a framework that can lead to a better understanding of your conscious and subconscious capabilities.
