Ap Psych Quiz 240-247

What is the difference between manifest content and latent content in Freud's dream theory?

Manifest content is the remembered story line of a dream, while latent content is the underlying, censored meaning or unconscious drive.

​Ex: Dreaming about a weapon (manifest) as a disguised symbol for repressed sexual or aggressive desires (latent).

What is the information-processing perspective on why we dream?

Dreams help us sift, sort, and fix the day's experiences and consolidate our memories.

​Ex: Playing Tetris for hours and later dreaming about falling blocks because your brain is organizing that visual memory.

What is the physiological function theory of dreams?

Regular brain stimulation from REM sleep may help develop and preserve neural pathways.

​Ex: Infants spend a large amount of time in REM sleep because their developing neural networks need stimulation.

What is the neural activation (activation-synthesis) theory?

Dreams erupt from neural activation spreading upward from the brainstem, which the sleeping brain then weaves into a story.

​Ex: The brain attempts to make sense of random visual neural signals by creating a narrative about being chased or falling.

What does the cognitive development perspective say about dreams?

Dream content reflects the dreamer's level of cognitive development, knowledge, and understanding.

​Ex: A young child's dream resembling a simple static slide show where they are an actor, rather than a complex adult narrative.

What is REM rebound?

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation (created by repeated awakenings).

​Ex: If you are repeatedly woken up during REM sleep over several nights, your body will automatically spend more time in REM sleep when you finally sleep undisturbed.

What is tolerance in the context of psychoactive drugs?

The diminishing effect with regular use of the same drug dose, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses to experience the same effect.

​Ex: Needing to consume two six-packs of beer to get the same relaxed buzz that one can used to give you.

What is withdrawal?

The physical and psychological discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior.

​Ex: Experiencing physical shaking, sweating, or severe anxiety after stopping regular heavy drinking.

What is a substance use disorder?

Continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption, social problems, or physical risks.

​Ex: Continuing to use a substance despite missing work, losing important relationships, or facing legal trouble.