Set 5: Dreams & Theories of Dreaming

Dreams

Sequences of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person's mind.

During which stage are dreams most vivid?

REM sleep.

Can dreams happen during every stage of sleep?

Yes, although they are most vivid during REM.

What are the five theories of dreaming listed in the presentation?

Wish-Fulfillment, Information Processing, Activation Synthesis, Physiological Function, and Cognitive Theory.

Information Processing Theory

Also called the problem-solving theory; dreams help us deal with and sort out everyday stresses.

Which dream theory is described as the most widely accepted?

Information Processing Theory.

According to Information Processing Theory, when do we tend to dream more?

When we are experiencing more stress.

Physiological Function Theory

Dreams provide the sleeping brain with periodic stimulation to develop and preserve neural pathways.

Why do newborns need more sleep according to Physiological Function Theory?

Their neural networks are developing quickly and need stimulation to develop and preserve pathways.

Activation Synthesis Theory

Our brain attempts to make sense of random electrical activity occurring while we sleep.

Who developed Activation Synthesis Theory?

Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley.

What happens to the limbic system during REM sleep according to Activation Synthesis Theory?

It becomes active and randomly fires.

What does the cerebral cortex do during Activation Synthesis?

It tries to interpret the random electrical activity occurring during sleep.

Why do dreams sometimes make no sense according to Activation Synthesis Theory?

The brain is trying to make sense of meaningless patterns of electrical activity.

Cognitive Theory

Dreams are expressions of a person's thoughts and reflect how they envision their lives.

What do dreams represent according to Cognitive Theory?

A pictorial representation of a dreamer's thoughts and conceptions about themselves, others, the world, impulses, prohibitions, penalties, and conflicts.

What does Cognitive Theory reveal about dreams?

The structure of how we envision our lives.

Wish-Fulfillment Theory

A theory suggested by Sigmund Freud that dreams allow us to play out subconscious hidden wishes.

Who suggested Wish-Fulfillment Theory?

Sigmund Freud.

Manifest Content

The actual content or events of a dream.

Latent Content

The hidden or symbolic meaning of a dream.

What are the four contemporary views of dreaming listed in the handwritten notes?

Information processing/consolidation, physiological function, neural activation, and cognitive development.

What is neural activation in the handwritten notes?

The brain attempts to make sense of neural "static" by weaving it into a storyline.

How does cognitive development explain dreams in the notes?

Dreams reflect the dreamer's level of development, knowledge, and understanding.

What evidence suggests that REM sleep and dreams serve an important function?

REM rebound, which occurs after REM deprivation in humans and other mammals.