Methodological Issues in Consciousness Research- Volume III

This Research Topic is the third volume of the Research Topic "Methodological Issues in Consciousness Research". Please see the first volume here, and second volume here.

The exploration of consciousness, initiated in Western thought in the 17th century by Robert Fludd and earlier in Indian philosophy, encompasses realms from cognitive neuroscience to psychiatry. Despite the interdisciplinary fusion offering broad implications for understanding consciousness, defining and measuring it poses enduring challenges. Disparities in theoretical assumptions and the practical limitations of experimental design further complicate the quest to unravel consciousness, often leading to inconclusive or contested interpretations of data.

This Research Topic aims to dissect and improve upon the prevailing methodologies used in the study of consciousness. By focusing on enhancing precision in experimental designs and fostering clearer theoretical formulations, the goal is to develop more robust approaches to investigate consciousness across various states and conditions.

To gather further insights into methodological efficacy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Critiques of current experimental frameworks in consciousness research
• Proposals for novel methodologies in the detection and analysis of conscious states
• Comparative studies on the effectiveness of different consciousness measurement tools
• Theoretical papers discussing the implications of methodological choices
• Case studies highlighting methodological breakthroughs or pitfalls in consciousness experiments
Through rigorous analysis and collaborative exchanges, this volume seeks to clarify and innovate the methodological tools at our disposal, enhancing our ability to explore and understand the multifaceted phenomenon of consciousness more effectively.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: consciousness research, methods, problematic methodological issues, conscious phenomenology across different mental states, neuropsychological and neurobiological mechanisms, evolutionary, anthropologic considerations

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.