According to the activation-synthesis model of dreaming:
A) dreams are completely meaningless.
B) the imagery in dreams is highly symbolic of repressed urges, wishes, and desires.
C) dreams are meaningful insofar as they reflect how the dreamer imposes personal meaning on the images generated by his or her brain.
D) dream images of sticks, swords, brooms, and other elongated objects are phallic symbols that represent the penis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The activation-synthesis model of dreaming proposes that dreams are meaningful in the sense that they reflect how the dreamer imposes personal meaning on the images generated by his or her brain. According to this theory, dreams are the result of random neuronal firing in the brainstem, which is then synthesized into a narrative by the cortex. The dreamer's personal experience and memories contribute to the interpretation of these random brain activations, leading to the formation of dream content that is unique to each individual. While some elements of dreams may be interpreted symbolically, such as recurring themes or characters, the activation-synthesis model does not support the notion that dream images have universal symbolic meaning, such as phallic symbols. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

According to the Activation-Synthesis Model of Dreaming