Similar to other empirical, or natural, sciences, psychology seeks nonobservable deep happenings through observable superficial happenings. A classification of indicators of consciousness of human or nonhuman animals is proposed here which is broader than one using only verbal reports. Four types of indicators of consciousness are known: (1) reports, which are superficial happenings that allow a certain correspondence of structure with the conscious happening reported; (2) expressive movements, where there is a qualitative connection with the conscious happening; (3) non-expressive movements, where there is no qualitative connection with the conscious happening; and (4) physiological movements, which are carried out at a level lower than organism. In addition, there are reports other than verbal reports.
Consciouness; Systems theory; Report; Cognitive psychology
