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AP Psychology Dream Theories

Terms in this set (11)

To satisfy our own wishes; to file away memories; to develop and preserve neural pathways; to make sense of neural static; and to reflect cognitive development
What is the function of dreams?
Dreams provide a "psychic safety valve"-expressing otherwise unacceptable feelings contain manifest (remembered) content and a deeper layer of latent content-a hidden meaning
Explanation of Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory
Lacks any scientific support, dreams may be interpreted in many different ways
Critical considerations of Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory
dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate our memories
Explanation of Information processing theory
But why do we sometimes dream about things we have not experienced?
Critical considerations of Information processing theory
Regular brain stimulation from REM sleep may help develop and preserve neural pathways
Explanation of Physiological function theory
This may be true, but it does not explain why we experience meaningful dreams
Critical considerations of Physiological function theory
REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which our sleeping brain weaves into stories
Explanation of Activation-synthesis theory
The individual's brain is weaving the stories, which tells us something about the dreamer
Critical considerations of Activation-synthesis theory
Dream content reflects dreamers' cognitive development-their knowledge and understanding
Explanation of Cognitive development theory
Does not address the neuroscience of dreams
Critical considerations of Cognitive development theory
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