Sleep - The activation synthesis theory of dreaming

Define the AST...

• An explanation of dreams that focuses on the random activation of neurons and the brain's efforts to make sense of this through synthesis

• An explanation of dreams that focuses on the normal activation of neurons and the brain's efforts to make sense of this through synthesis

• An explanation of dreams that focuses on the common activation of neurons and the brain's efforts to make sense of this through synthesis

• An explanation of dreams that focuses on the simple activation of neurons and the brain's efforts to make sense of this through synthesis

Pons are...

• A part of the neurons that operates as a message station

• A part of the hippocampus that operates as a message station

• A part of the brain that operates as a relay station

• A part of the brain that operates as a message station

Define the brainstem...

• The central trunk of the brain that continues down the spinal neurons

• The central trunk of the brain that continues down the spinal cord

• The central trunk of the brain that continues down the lower back

• The central trunk of the brain that continues upwards the spinal cord

Define synthesis...

• To make sense of and give meaning to dreams

• To make sense of and give meaning to lucid dreams only

• To make sense of and give meaning to childhood dreams

• To make sense of and give meaning to Freud's dream analysis

AST has been criticised for being reductionist. What is reductionism?

• Viewing human behaviour from a simple perspective

• Viewing human behaviour from a holistic perspective

• Viewing human behaviour from a Freudian perspective

• Viewing human behaviour from a overly complicated perspective

Select the right criticism that AST is reductionist...

• Dreams are highly complex and packed full of meaning. It is therefore correct to reduce dreams to neuronal processes.

• Dreams are highly complex and packed full of meaning. It is wrong to reduce dreams to something nobody understand

• Dreams are highly complex and packed full of meaning. It is wrong to reduce dreams to neuronal processes.

• Dreams are not highly complex and packed full of meaning. It is wrong to reduce dreams to neuronal processes.