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Questions and Answers
What is the function of dreams?
What is the function of dreams?
Explain Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory.
Explain Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory.
Dreams provide a psychic safety valve - expressing otherwise unacceptable feelings and contain manifest and latent content.
What is a critical consideration of Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory?
What is a critical consideration of Freud's wish-fulfillment dream theory?
It lacks any scientific support and dreams may be interpreted in many different ways.
What does information processing theory explain about dreams?
What does information processing theory explain about dreams?
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What is a critical consideration of information processing theory?
What is a critical consideration of information processing theory?
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Explain the physiological function theory of dreams.
Explain the physiological function theory of dreams.
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What is a critical consideration of physiological function theory?
What is a critical consideration of physiological function theory?
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What does activation-synthesis theory state about dreams?
What does activation-synthesis theory state about dreams?
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What is a critical consideration of activation-synthesis theory?
What is a critical consideration of activation-synthesis theory?
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Explain cognitive development theory as it relates to dreams.
Explain cognitive development theory as it relates to dreams.
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What is a critical consideration of cognitive development theory?
What is a critical consideration of cognitive development theory?
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Study Notes
Functions of Dreams
- Dreams satisfy personal wishes and emotions.
- They serve to file away memories from daily experiences.
- Dreams help develop and preserve neural pathways.
- They make sense of random neural activity during sleep.
- Dreams reflect cognitive development, showcasing mental growth.
Freud's Wish-Fulfillment Theory
- Dreams function as a "psychic safety valve," expressing unacceptable feelings.
- Contains two layers: manifest content (actual dream content) and latent content (hidden meaning).
Critique of Freud's Theory
- Lacks scientific support for the interpretations of dreams.
- Dreams can be interpreted in numerous ways, reducing theory reliability.
Information Processing Theory
- Dreams assist in sorting daily events and consolidating memories for retention.
- Proposes a link between dreaming and memory enhancement.
Critique of Information Processing Theory
- Raises questions about dreams related to experiences not personally encountered.
Physiological Function Theory
- Regular brain stimulation during REM sleep is believed to promote neural pathway development and preservation.
Critique of Physiological Function Theory
- While valid, it does not clarify the significance of meaningful dreams experienced by individuals.
Activation-Synthesis Theory
- REM sleep initiates neural activity that triggers random visual memories, forming narrative stories in dreams.
Critique of Activation-Synthesis Theory
- The dream narrative reveals insights about the dreamer’s psyche, suggesting personal relevance.
Cognitive Development Theory
- Dream content mirrors the dreamer's cognitive abilities, reflecting their level of knowledge and understanding.
Critique of Cognitive Development Theory
- Fails to address the underlying neuroscience involved in dreaming processes.
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Description
Explore the various theories of dreams within AP Psychology, focusing on their functions and meanings. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of dream content and psychological interpretations.