
Contents
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Introduction Introduction
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The Basic Theory The Basic Theory
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The AIM Model The AIM Model
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Dreaming as Delirium Dreaming as Delirium
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But All of This Is Wrong But All of This Is Wrong
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Misplacing the REM-on and REM-off Systems Misplacing the REM-on and REM-off Systems
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Are Brain Stem Signals Chaotic? Are Brain Stem Signals Chaotic?
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Do Phasic Events Shape Dreaming? Do Phasic Events Shape Dreaming?
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The Initiation of REM Sleep The Initiation of REM Sleep
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One or Many Activation Systems? One or Many Activation Systems?
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Overemphasizing REM as the Source of Activation Overemphasizing REM as the Source of Activation
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Cortical Control of the REM-on System Cortical Control of the REM-on System
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Is Dreaming Like Delirium? Is Dreaming Like Delirium?
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Upward to Consciousness? Upward to Consciousness?
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Claims About Dream Content: More Inaccuracies Claims About Dream Content: More Inaccuracies
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Overemphasizing REM/NREM Dream Content Differences Overemphasizing REM/NREM Dream Content Differences
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Emotions in Activation-Synthesis Dream Studies Emotions in Activation-Synthesis Dream Studies
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Bizarreness in Dreams Bizarreness in Dreams
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Is Dream Content Generic? Is Dream Content Generic?
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The Dreams of an Entomologist The Dreams of an Entomologist
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Children and Dreaming Children and Dreaming
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Conclusion Conclusion
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6 The Activation-Synthesis Theory of Dreaming
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Published:September 2017
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Abstract
This chapter provides the most detailed critical analysis yet developed of the neurophysiological theory of dreaming called activation-synthesis theory, a bottom-up theory that rejects a top-down neurocognitive approach because rigorous studies of dream content allegedly cannot be carried out, especially on the basis of dream reports collected in the sleep lab. This theory suggests that dreams may be “cognitive trash.” The chapter draws on detailed neurophysiological evidence little known outside of neurophysiology, and hardly at all among dream researchers, to show that all of the empirical claims put forth by activation-synthesis theorists in 1977 had been shown to be wrong by the mid-1980s, with further evidence for this refutation appearing in the 2000s due to methodological and technical advances. Similarly, the studies of dream content by activation-synthesis theorists have major flaws and are contradicted by most of the findings presented in earlier chapters.
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