Dement and Kleitman (Sleep & Dreams)

Question 1

Psychology Being Investigate

Answer 1

• Sleep
• Ultradian Rhythms
• Dreams

Question 2

Aims

Answer 2

• Dream recall in REM vs. non-REM.
• Link between dream length estimation and REM period.
• Relationship between eye movement pattern and dream content.
• Correlation between REM length and words in dream narrative.

Question 3

Research Methodology

Answer 3

Used experiment and correlation.
Qualitative data collected via interviews.
Independent variables in three aims; correlation in the fourth.
Post-dream recall interviews conducted occasionally.

Question 4

Design and Variable: Aim 1

Answer 4

IV: REM or non-REM.
DV: Dream content recall.

Question 5

Design and Variable: Aim 2

Answer 5

IV: 5 or 15 minutes.
DV: Dream length estimation.

Question 6

Design and Variable: Aim 3

Answer 6

IV: Eye movement pattern.
DV: Dream description.

Question 7

Design and Variable: Aim 4

Answer 7

Co-variable 1: REM duration.
Co-variable 2: Words in dream narrative.

Question 8

Sample

Answer 8

• 7 males, 2 females (9 participants).
• 5 intensively studied (6-17 nights), 4 for confirmation (1-2 nights).
• Study in a University of Chicago sleep laboratory.

Question 9

Participant’s Instructions

Answer 9

• Arrive before regular bedtime.
• Maintain a normal diet, avoid caffeine and alcohol on the experiment day.

Question 10

Recording Devices & Placement

Answer 10

• EOG records eye movements
• EEG records brain waves for REM/non-REM determination
• Two near eyes (EOG) and two or three on the scalp (EEG).

Question 11

Procedure when taken to bed

Answer 11

• Led to a dark, quiet room.
• Wires secured to prevent tangling.
• EEG operational in an adjacent room throughout the night.
• Had a doorbell beside their bed, loud enough to wake them up

Question 12

Awakenings During the Night

Answer 12

• Awakened during REM and non-REM stages.
• Loud doorbell ensures waking during any sleep stage.
• Questioned about dream experience upon awakening.
• Instructed to describe dream content using a recording device.
• Encouraged to return to sleep.

Question 13

Example of Dream Content and Eye Movement

Answer 13

• Vertical Eye Movement: looking at climbers on a cliff, climbing a ladder, throwing a basketball.
• Horizontal Eye Movement: watching two people throwing tomatoes at each other.
• Mixed Eye Movement: talking to a group of people, searching for something, fighting with someone
• Little to No Eye Movement: driving a car

Question 14

Results: Aim 1

Answer 14

Dream recall more in REM (152/191) than non-REM (11/160).

Question 15

Results: Aim 2

Answer 15

• Participants accurately distinguished dream duration.
• Guessed 5 minutes correctly 88% of the time (45/51).
• Guessed 15 minutes correctly 78% of the time (47/60).

Question 16

Results: Aim 3

Answer 16

• Different eye movement patterns correlated with dream content.

Question 17

Results: Aim 4

Answer 17

Moderate positive correlation between REM duration and words in dream narrative.

Question 18

Conclusions

Answer 18

Dreaming most in REM periods, objectively measurable by recording REM cycles.

Question 19

Ethical Issues

Answer 19

• Researchers used participants’ initials in results.
• Identity of participants kept confidential.
• No private information shared to prevent embarrassment.
• Ensured secrecy about dream content in public disclosure.

Question 20

Standardization

Answer 20

• Conducted as a laboratory experiment.
• Researchers controlled and manipulated variables.
  
  • Uniform equipment for all participants.
  • Consistent placement of electrodes on the head.
  • Standardized sleeping conditions: bed in a quiet, dark room.
  • Consistent awakening method: loud doorbells ensuring wakefulness from deep REM sleep.

Question 21

Validity

Answer 21

• Researchers ensured no one else was present in the room.
• Eliminate potential influence on participants’ dream narrative.
• Increased validity by avoiding experimenter effect.
• Ensured more accurate and unbiased dream reports.

Question 22

Objectivity

Answer 22

Quantitative Data:
- Number of words in dream narrative correlated with REM sleep time.
- Avoid researcher bias in interpreting data.
- Increased validity through objective quantitative analysis.
- Reduction of subjectivity in interpreting dream content.
Scientific Experiment:
- EEG used to objectively measure sleep stages.
- Quantitative data from brain waves (frequency, amplitude).
- Reduces subjective interpretation by researchers.
- Increases validity of the data.
- Assures clarity on whether participants were in REM or non-REM sleep when awakened.

Question 23

Generalizability

Answer 23

• Sample only had 5 participants
• Significant variation in sleep cycle duration observed.
• One participant had with an eye movement period every 70 minutes, another every 104 minutes.
• Caution urged in generalizing results due to individual differences.
• Limitation in the study’s external validity.

Question 24

Ecological Validity

Answer 24

• Participants slept in a laboratory with attached electrodes.
• Potential impact on relaxation and comfort levels.
• Possible disturbance to normal sleep patterns.
• Limitation in applying findings to everyday home sleep conditions.
• Consideration for the influence of caffeine and alcohol on sleep patterns.

Question 25

Application to Everyday Life

Answer 25

- EEG can determine REM or non-REM sleep stages. - Supports the diagnosis of sleep issues tied to specific sleep stages. - Some sleep disorders manifest in particular stages. - Comparing EEG patterns to typical sleepers aids psychologists in identifying differences. - Assists in tailoring effective treatment strategies for individuals with sleep issues.

Question 26

Nature vs. Nurture

Answer 26

- REM sleep associated with more dreams, suggesting innate biological mechanism. - Regular, universal occurrence of REM periods supports a biologically determined ultradian rhythm. - Diverse dream content reflects the impact of individual life experiences. - Illustrates a combination of both nature and nurture in shaping sleep and dreams.