About this Research Topic
This Research Topic is part of the Methods and Applications in Psychology series.
Scientific interest in the nature and causes of consciousness has shown considerable growth in the past several decades, so much so that Consciousness Studies is now recognized as a unique multidisciplinary area of research. As a product of this growth, attention has been given to identifying ways in which consciousness can be meaningfully studied using empirical methodologies. These efforts have led to a fairly extensive body of literature in which numerous methodological approaches have been proffered along with critical appraisal of these methods from various scientific and philosophical perspectives. However, at present, there does not appear to be coherence or agreement among investigators as to how best study consciousness. In order for substantive progress to occur, there is a need for researchers to have a fulsome understanding of available methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight developments in the interdisciplinary study of consciousness with primary attention given to research methodologies and discourses focused on the critical evaluation of any and all methodologies.
This Research Topic welcomes manuscript submissions from scholars with, but not limited to, the following foci:
• Analysis of new or existing qualitative and/or quantitative methods that have been adapted to facilitate the scientific and/or interdisciplinary study of consciousness.
• Detailed illustrations and/or analysis of applications of one or more new or existing methodologies. Manuscripts may include primary (original) data and/or involve the meta-analysis of empirical research that uses a specific methodology.
• Proposals of new methods or applications, with discussion of how they could overcome one or more current limitations in consciousness research.
• Critical discussion of the state of scientific inquiry into consciousness with emphasis given to evaluating one or more methodological approaches.
The contributions to this collection will undergo peer-review. We welcome contributions covering all methodological aspects of consciousness research. Submissions will be handled by the team of Topic Editors.
Scientific interest in the nature and causes of consciousness has shown considerable growth in the past several decades, so much so that Consciousness Studies is now recognized as a unique multidisciplinary area of research. As a product of this growth, attention has been given to identifying ways in which consciousness can be meaningfully studied using empirical methodologies. These efforts have led to a fairly extensive body of literature in which numerous methodological approaches have been proffered along with critical appraisal of these methods from various scientific and philosophical perspectives. However, at present, there does not appear to be coherence or agreement among investigators as to how best study consciousness. In order for substantive progress to occur, there is a need for researchers to have a fulsome understanding of available methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight developments in the interdisciplinary study of consciousness with primary attention given to research methodologies and discourses focused on the critical evaluation of any and all methodologies.
This Research Topic welcomes manuscript submissions from scholars with, but not limited to, the following foci:
• Analysis of new or existing qualitative and/or quantitative methods that have been adapted to facilitate the scientific and/or interdisciplinary study of consciousness.
• Detailed illustrations and/or analysis of applications of one or more new or existing methodologies. Manuscripts may include primary (original) data and/or involve the meta-analysis of empirical research that uses a specific methodology.
• Proposals of new methods or applications, with discussion of how they could overcome one or more current limitations in consciousness research.
• Critical discussion of the state of scientific inquiry into consciousness with emphasis given to evaluating one or more methodological approaches.
The contributions to this collection will undergo peer-review. We welcome contributions covering all methodological aspects of consciousness research. Submissions will be handled by the team of Topic Editors.
Keywords: Consciousness, empirical research, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, interdisciplinary approaches
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
