Freudian theory of dreaming

Question 1

suggests

Answer 1

that the mind is like an iceberg; it consists of our conscious mind and unconscious mind (we are normally unable to access it).

Question 2

unconscious mind

Answer 2

Contains unacceptable thoughts, feelings and desires that our conscious mind cannot deal with & are considered unacceptable in society. Freud suggested this part of our personality is the ID & is repressed by another part of our personality called the ego.
Dreams allow us to access the unconscious mind.

Question 3

wish fulfilment

Answer 3

In sleep the ego is weakened & the unconscious mind tries to break through into our consciousness. In order to satisfy these unconscious desires we dream, this is known as wish fulfilment

Question 4

content of dreams

Answer 4

True content of our dreams are hidden through the use of symbols which do not disturb us.

Question 5

manifest content

Answer 5

what we actually see in our dreams – disguises the latent content through symbolism (e.g. falling in a dream).

Question 6

latent content

Answer 6

which is the true meaning of our dreams (e.g. being afraid of failing at something).

Question 7

limitations

Answer 7

Highly subjective - dream interpretation is dependent on person’s opinion.

Difficult to test as based on unreliable research where Freud alone conducted interviews & interpreted the dreams of participants.

Based on studies that have cultural and historical bias.