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The basic theory

The basic theory

Activation synthesis theory showing random brain activity being turned into dream stories

Hobson and McCarley proposed activation-synthesis theory in 1977 as a biological explanation of dreaming. It states that dreams begin with random neural activity during REM sleep, and the cerebral cortex then tries to organise this activity into a meaningful story.

6.2.4 Activation Synthesis: REM sleep and the brain Lesson

  1. GCSE
  2. /Psychology
  3. /6.2.4 Activation Synthesis: REM sleep and the brain

Step-by-step lessons on OCR GCSE Psychology 6.2.4 Activation Synthesis: REM sleep and the brain. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Start with the more concrete topics like memory and development before tackling evaluation-heavy topics like psychological problems and criminal psychology.

Lessons