  We examine the role of a conscious observer in a typical quantum mechanical
measurement. Four rules are given that govern stochastic choice and state
reduction in several cases of continuous and intermittent observation. It is
found that consciousness always accompanies a state reduction leading to
observation, but its presence is not sufficient to 'cause' a reduction. The
distinction is clarified and codified by the rules that are given below. This
is the first of several papers that lead to an experimental test of the rules,
and of the "parallel principle" that is described elsewhere. Key words: Brain
states, boundary conditions, consciousness, conscious observer, environment,
decoherence, macroscopic superposition, measurement, state reduction, state
collapse, von Neumann.
