Dement and Kleitman Core Study Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, methodologies, and findings related to the Dement and Kleitman core study on sleep and dreaming.

What are the main assumptions of the biological approach in psychology?

Behavior, cognitions and emotions can be explained in terms of the brain's workings, hormones, genetics, and evolution.

Similarities and differences between people can be understood in terms of biological factors and their

interaction with other factors.

What is the primary focus of the Dement and Kleitman study?

The relationship between rapid eye movements (REM) and dreaming.

What is a key characteristic of the sleep cycle investigated by the study?

The sleep cycle is defined as an altered state of consciousness.

What is the difference between REM and Non-REM sleep?

REM sleep is associated with dreaming and contains rapid eye movements, while Non-REM does not.

What is an electroencephalograph (EEG)?

A machine used to detect and record electrical activity in nerve and muscle cells.

What was one of the main aims of the Dement and Kleitman study?

To determine if dreaming occurs during REM or Non-REM sleep.

What significant methodological approach did Dement and Kleitman use?

A combined experimental and correlational approach to study REM and Non-REM sleep.

What ethical issue was present in the Dement and Kleitman study?

There was a case of deception regarding the experience of REM and Non-REM sleep.

What were some strengths of the study's methodology?

EEGs produced reliable, objective data, and standardized procedures reduced demand characteristics.

What was a notable weakness of the Dement and Kleitman study?

The small sample size, with only 5 participants completing the experiment.

How does the study relate to the nature vs. nurture debate?

It supports the 'nature' perspective by showing the biological processes underlying sleep stages.

What does the study suggest about the relationship between eye movement and dream content?

Eye movement patterns are related to the content of the dreams.

What does 'circadian rhythm' refer to?

An approximately 24-hour cycle of sleeping and waking.

What does 'ultradian rhythm' refer to?

A cycle that repeats more often than daily, such as dreaming every hour and a half.

How did participants report their dreams in the study?

By using a tape recorder after being woken from sleep.

What was one of the significant quantitative findings of the study?

Participants recalled dreams more frequently during REM than Non-REM sleep.