B1c2 Evaluating Activation-synthesis theoryWHY HOBSON AND MCARLEY THOUGHT DREAMING IS TO DO WITH THE BRAINS WORKING

CRITICISMS OF THE ACTIVATION-SYNTHESIS MODEL OF DREAMING

Evidence for the activation-synthesis model of dreaming.

Evidence is that REM sleep happens regularly throughout a nights sleep and happens night after night.

Sleep labs showed regular patterns of REM sleep during studies.

Hobson and McCarley look at explanations for regularity and predictability.

Because of movement inhibition and sensory blockade H&M thought that it must be something happening in the brain to cause dreams.

Development of the activation-synthesis model.

H&M theory ahs been developed and added to.

Hobson later said in 1999, that he thought there was meaning in dreams. Some ideas are generated in the brain by random Firing Off of neurons could be useful and give the individual new ideas.

Brain activity is likely to be genetic because it is found in everyone.

It may be an evolved feature in humans so there has to be a reason for its survival.

He thought that it might be there to test brain circuits or that the stimulation of the brain during REM Sleep must be important for normal brain function when awake.

Studies giving evidence Tested Cats to see which areas of the brain were active during REM sleep.

They found two active areas:◦ The PONS and the reticular activating system (RAS)

These are structures that seem to be involved in shutting down physical movement. (movement inhibition) during REM

Also what if the neurons activated during REM are those used to control balance?◦ Then the dreamer is likely to dream about falling◦ This explains why dreams seem to have meaning. Coming from neurons that have a specific purpose

when the person is awake.

Weakness of the Activation-synthesis theory

Dreams do have more meaning than the Activation-Synthesis model suggests. ◦ Many people report that they recognise parts of the dream that they have seen in their lives the day before or in their

lives. ◦ Therefore not as random as the theory would suggest.

Based on the theory that the dreams do not make sense. ◦ However one study that Hobson was involved in suggests that 34% of 200 dreams did not make sense. ◦ Other studies show that dreams do make sense.

Lucid Dreaming◦ This is when people are dreaming and know they are dreaming. ◦ This then does not fit with the activation synthesis model and means that dreams are controlled and are not random.

Young Children◦ Under the age of 5 they have few dreams and their dreams are not very active. Yet they have the normal amount of

REM. ◦ Suggesting that dreams are not just linked to REM.

You will need to in the exam. Explain the criticism of the Activation-synthesis theory.

To do this it is useful to look for problems as this should help you understand.

You will also need to compare the weaknesses of this theory with the weaknesses of Freuds Dream theory.

Answer Quick check A and B

Answer questions 1 to 3 in books.