AP Psychology Dream Theories

Questions and Answers

What is the function of dreams?

To satisfy our own wishes

To file away memories

To develop and preserve neural pathways

All of the above (correct)

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?

It lacks any scientific support and dreams may be interpreted in many different ways.

What does information processing theory explain about dreams?

Dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate our memories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration of information processing theory?

It questions why we sometimes dream about things we have not experienced. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the physiological function theory of dreams.

Regular brain stimulation from REM sleep may help develop and preserve neural pathways. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration of physiological function theory?

It does not explain why we experience meaningful dreams. Signup and view all the answers

What does activation-synthesis theory state about dreams?

REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which our sleeping brain weaves into stories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration of activation-synthesis theory?

It implies that the individual's brain is weaving the stories, which tells us something about the dreamer. Signup and view all the answers

Explain cognitive development theory as it relates to dreams.

Dream content reflects dreamers' cognitive development - their knowledge and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration of cognitive development theory?

It does not address the neuroscience of dreams. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.