hobson and mccarley's (1977) activation synthesis theory of dreaming

Question 1

what is the ‘activation’ part of the activation synthesis theory talking about?

Answer 1

During REM sleep RANDOM thoughts are sent to the brain

Question 2

sensory blockade

Answer 2

SENSORY information does not come into the brain

Question 3

movement inhibition

Answer 3

MUSCLES are not working

Question 4

strengths of hobson and mccarley’s (1977) activation synthesis theory

Answer 4

there is EVIDENCE which supports it e.g. in sleep labs we can see rapid eye movement but the individuals muscles are paralyzed

Question 5

weakness of hobson and mccarley’s (1977) activation synthesis theory

Answer 5

• CONTRADICTIONS: the idea of random thoughts doesn’t fit with reports that people make which suggests that they are able to clearly link their dreams to REAL events which happened.
• the theory was AMENDED: it could not stand the test of time.