activation synthesis theory of dreaming

Question 1

suggests

Answer 1

that dreams are a result of our mind trying to make sense of brain activation during sleep.

Question 2

neuronal activity increases in the pons

Answer 2

During REM sleep, body is paralysed, but activity increases in area of brainstem called the pons - random brain waves are generated.

Question 3

brain waves travel to the cerebral cortex

Answer 3

Higher brain areas in the cerebral cortex that would normally interpret sensory information. The information is treated as if it was real sensory information.

Question 4

synthesis occurs- making sense of random signals

Answer 4

Through interpreting the stimulation synthesis occurs; using stored memories to make sense of the information.

Question 5

role of limbic system

Answer 5

Because the brain waves activate many different brain areas such as the
limbic system (which controls emotions) the resulting dreams are bizarre & emotional. So the theory suggests that dreams have no real meaning.

Question 6

limitations

Answer 6

Too reductionist - suggests that dreams are a random result of happens when the mind tries to make sense of brain activity that occurs during sleep.

The theory is quite a simplistic view and ignores the view that dreams can be meaningful, it is further reductionist as it does not explain the purpose of dreams, just where they come from.

Doesn’t explain how people with damage to brainstem can still dream.