Dream Analysis & Consciousness - Essay Example

Dream Analysis & Consciousness A Dissertation Proposal In this research we propose to address the threat simulation theory related to the biological function of dreaming. We will discuss about the epiphenomenalism theory of consciousness first and from thereon we will strive to establish the scientific relevance of the threat simulation theory. The epiphenomenalism concept, however, won’t be discarded altogether, but the latter one does have empirical support, which is to be shown in the proposal. Introduction The definition of dream brings us to a frequently trodden territory of psychology. From psychological viewpoints, dreaming is a state of consciousness characterized by a series of complex subjective visions during sleep. The essence of our investigation lies in approaching the concept of consciousness from a scientific perspective. Through this research work we will strive to find the potential sources of information pertaining to dream and consciousness. We will lay emphasis on the threat simulation theory which states that dream threats are potentially more dangerous than waking threats and that it has considerably long-stretched entailments on the conscious self. Hypothesis The proposed framework we will follow consists of three imperatives: 1) The fact that a full-scale hallucinatory world of subjective experience during sleep exists logically sets apart the physical and psychological phenomena worth considering for interpreting conscious experience from those that are not necessary at all (Revonsuo, 1995, 1998). 2) The composition and structure of phenomenal dream imageries and their interrelation within the world of dreams can be analysed and measured (Domhoff, 1996; Strauch & Meier, 1996). It might be noted that the theory of ‘bizarreness’ in dream content analysis research can be effectively linked to the concept of ‘binding’ in consciousness studies (Revonsuo & Salmivalli 1995; Kahn et al, 1997; Revonsuo, 1999). 3) The evolution of dreaming and consciousness is of paramount importance in consciousness studies. In comprehending the function of consciousness, existing theories tend to delve into explaining epiphenomenalism – either the philosophical section which states that mental events are induced by physical events in the brain, but they do not influence any physical event in any way; or the biological section dealing with the weak connection between phenomenal consciousness and biologically functional events. Now if we take into account the epiphenomenal aspects of consciousness, we must also understand that dreaming, being a phenomenal experience must also be epiphenomenal. On the other hand, if we can establish that dreaming has tangible implications in the realms of biologically functional events, we would be able to infer that at least some varieties of phenomenal consciousness do possess causative powers and operational importance in the real world. Literature Review We will look into some conjectures pertaining to the function of dreaming. According to cognitive neuroscientists, dreaming is biologically epiphenomenal (Hobson 1988, Crick & Mitchinson 1983, 1995; Foulkes 1985, Antrobus 1993, Flanagan, 1995). The most widely accepted school of thought interprets dreaming as a mere manifestation of low-level neurobiological or neurocognitive developments that occur in the brain during REM sleep. Therefore it has been proposed that dreaming is nothing but a random and ineffectual derivative of the neurophysiological phenomena connected to REM sleep. (ThinkQuest, 2009) Now while this school of thought substantiates itself adequately, Revonsuo has come up with a radical theory according to which biological operations associated with dreaming pose threat simulations, perennial threat perceptions and threat shunning reactions. This threat simulation assumption is backed by experimental proofs on dreaming, including prescriptive dream content, nightmares, post-traumatic dreams, repetitive dreams and children’s dreams. The threat simulation theory of dreaming negates the randomness of psychological processes. It goes to prove that most recurrent dreams and nightmares are reproductions of basic threats such as fights, pursuits and attacks and so on. Now we will consider the backdrop of such adaptive functions of dreaming in the light of ancestral human behavioral patterns. In primordial times, the constant nocturnal practice of threat perception and threat evasion skills boosted up the likelihood of successful threat avoidance in real-life scenarios, and thus paved way for greater simulative success. Hence this premise is quite viable that threat simulation is a biologically adaptive function of dreaming. (Feinberg et al, 2005) Acceptance of threat simulation theory invariably takes the investigation to empirical understanding of the same in reality. To find out the feasibility of the theory in practical life, we will be examining: 1) How frequently threatening events are met in the dreams of different populations 2) Who or what generally comes under threat in dreams 3) The different types of threats encountered in dreams 4) The response of dream characters to intimidating situations Quantifiable analysis is needed to procure information on the issues raised above. We will depend on a few existing rating scales in this regard, e. g., misfortunes, scales measuring aggression, victimization, etc. (Hall & Van de Castle, 1966; Domhoff, 1996). However, since this sorting is based on evidences and not on any theoretical foundation, they are far from being ideal for investigating into the predictions obtained from a distinctive theory. To counter this shortcoming, we will develop a content analysis scale which is precisely aimed at locating and illustrating all sorts of frightening events in dreams. In the current study we will delineate the content analysis methodologies. These methodologies are based on surveys to be conducted on university students around the world. Method Design The rationale for proposing the methodologies will revolve around the content analysis scale which is formulated keeping in mind Revonsuo’s threat simulation theory of dreaming. It will also bring in the content analysis technique that can be used to asses the relevance of the theory in future projects. Participants We propose to undertake our research works with the help of university students around the world. The cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic nature of university studentship will be an added advantage when it comes to deriving a wider spectrum of results. We will be asking the students to pen down their dreams in an orderly manner. They will also be asked to attend lecture sessions arranged by our team of experts in the relevant field. These sessions will help them out in reporting their dreams as cautiously and correctly as possible. The modus operandi for assembling the reports will be chalked out as per the guidelines cited by Revonsuo and Salmivalli (1995). Materials We are planning to keep the materials to dream reports. In addition to this, students will also be given a score sheet to evaluate the intensity of dreams. It will help identifying if there is a prominent central image, and the resultant primary and secondary emotions. Table 1 (PubMed Central, 2008) Procedure & Timescale The investigation procedure of intimidating events in dreams will incorporate: 1) Recognition of descriptions of frightening events in dream reports and score sheet 2) Categorization of the recognized events with regards to content We propose to employ judges who will be carrying out the investigation procedure till they come to a point of agreement. When it comes to timescale of the survey, the students will be approached three times: 3 months before the examination (when they will be relatively unstressed), just before the examination (stressed times) and immediately after the examination (relieved of stress). Budget We are planning to consider the budget as realized by the scope, duration and significance of the issues and investigations raised in the proposal. We are going to divide the entire project into two phases: the phase involving approaching the students and the phase when experts will be employed to analyse the reports. The proposal budget will be set accordingly. To elaborate furthermore on this, when making the decision to approve of a specific methodology of calculating a variable (such as approaching the students), we need to consider the expenses to be incurred upon as well as the relevance of the particular calculation. Expected Results As we will be wrapping up the project, we expect to find answers to the following points: 1) The distribution of the threatening events according to their nature 2) Threat targets 3) The grimness of the threatening events for the dreamer 4) Response to threatening events 5) Likely aftermaths of the threatening events References: Revonsuo A (1998) Visual perception and subjective visual awareness. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 21(6), 769-770. Domhoff, G.W. (1996) Finding meaning in dreams: A quantitative approach. New York: Plenum. Strauch, I. & Meier, B. (1996) In search of dreams: Results of experimental dream research. New York: SUNY Press. PubMed Central (2008) A Systematic Change in Dreams after 9/11/01. [online] available from [accessed 11 January 2009] ThinkQuest (2009) Different Stages of Sleep [online] available from [accessed 11 January 2009] Crick, F. & Mitchinson, G. (1983) The function of dream sleep. Nature, 304, 111-114. Antrobus, J. (1993) Dreaming: Could we do without it? In: The functions of dreaming, (Eds.) A. Moffitt, M. Kramer & R. Hoffman. pp. 549-558. New York: SUNY Press. Foulkes, D. (1985) Dreaming: A cognitive-psychological analysis. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Feinberg Todd E, Julian Paul Keenan (2005) The Lost Self: Pathologies of the Brain and Identity New York: Oxford University Press. Flanagan, O. (1995) Deconstructing dreams: The spandrels of sleep. The Journal of Philosophy, 92, 5-27. Hobson, J.A. (1988) The dreaming brain. New York: Basic Books. Read More