Theories of Dreaming

    OCR
    GCSE

    The study of dreaming traverses the epistemological divide between psychodynamic interpretation and neurobiological reductionism. It begins with Freud's seminal 1900 work establishing dreams as the 'royal road to the unconscious' (wish fulfillment), moves through the physiological determinism of Hobson and McCarley's Activation-Synthesis theory (1977), and culminates in contemporary neuropsychoanalysis (Solms) and evolutionary theories (Revonsuo). Candidates must navigate the tension between subjective qualitative data (dream reports) and objective quantitative data (EEG/PET scans).

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Sigmund Freud (1900) - The Interpretation of Dreams
    • Differentiation of Manifest Content vs. Latent Content
    • Hobson & McCarley (1977) - Activation-Synthesis Theory
    • Role of the Pons in generating random spikes (Activation)
    • Role of the Cerebral Cortex in constructing narrative (Synthesis)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the theory well; now apply it specifically to the dream mentioned in the stem"
    • "Clarify the distinction between the activation phase (pons) and the synthesis phase (cortex)"
    • "Your evaluation is generic; cite specific research evidence (e.g., Solms or physiological evidence of REM) to support your point"
    • "Ensure you explicitly state *why* the theory is considered reductionist or unscientific"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate differentiation between manifest content (what is experienced) and latent content (hidden meaning)
    • Award marks for identifying the pons as the source of random neuronal activation during REM sleep
    • Candidates must explain 'synthesis' as the cerebral cortex's attempt to make sense of random signals
    • Evaluation must cite specific evidence (e.g., Solms' research on forebrain lesions challenging Hobson & McCarley)
    • Credit application of theories to novel scenarios, linking specific dream elements to either wish fulfillment or random memories

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When evaluating Freud, contrast the lack of scientific falsifiability with the objective measurement available for Activation-Synthesis
    • 💡For 9-mark questions, ensure a balanced structure: Outline the theory (AO1) and provide at least two distinct evaluation points (AO3)
    • 💡Use the phrase 'sensory blockade' when describing why external stimuli are excluded during REM
    • 💡In application questions (AO2), explicitly map the scenario's details to theory components (e.g., 'The monster represents the latent fear of failure')

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Stating that Activation-Synthesis claims dreams have 'no meaning' (incorrect; it claims the *origin* is meaningless, but the brain creates a narrative)
    • Confusing the roles of the pons (activation) and the cerebral cortex (synthesis)
    • Describing Freud's theory without using the terms 'manifest' and 'latent' content
    • Failing to link the biological mechanism of REM sleep to the psychological experience of dreaming

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Outline

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