Activation Synthesis Of Dreaming

Question 1

What is the activation synthesis theory

Answer 1

Dreaming occurs when the mind tries to make sense of the brain activity during sleep

Question 2

How does this theory contrast freuds theory

Answer 2

They believe that dreams have no real meaning

Question 3

What is pons

Answer 3

Part of the brain that acts as a message station

Question 4

Neuropsychology

Answer 4

Signals from the pond in the brain stem and from the neuron’s that move our eyes activates the limbic system and travels to the occipital lobe

These spikes send a surge of stimulation through the brain that activates the cerebral cortex and the higher brain gives meaning to what is happening

Question 5

Criticism

Answer 5

Theory is to reductionist. Dreams are highly complex, critics say it is wrong to reduce this down to a simple neurological process

The theory is challenged by evidence that there is continuity to dreams. People have recurring dreams and some people can wake up and fall asleep and pick up where they left off. These go against the idea of randomness