Mayasa Abualsaud
COMM 1312 206
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
Abstract
The principle objective of this study is to determine various kinds of dreams and how they come to be. It covers the aspect of dreams as a consequence of the process of thinking. It also takes a deeper look into the interpretation of dreams as well as various interesting facts about dreams. The method used in collecting data from respondents is by use of questionnaires. This information will then undergo a descriptive analysis and the results epitomized in tables, graphs, as well as charts. The results from this study will help in providing an insight into the psychological impact of dreams (Lester, 2012).
Purpose Statement & Rationale
This section identifies the purpose of the study and the background of the research. It will be classified into two categories namely: general and specific objectives (purposes). General objectives, on the one hand, are to explain the history of dreams, dynamic psychology, and dreaming neurobiology. General objectives, on the other hand, give the details on the various theories of dreams; neurological and psychological, the content of dreams, interpretation of dreams among other related phenomena (Lester, 2012).
Statement of Qualification
This research is to be undertaken by a team of qualified psychologists. The team members are quick learners and possess the ability to assimilate information and apply it to daily life. They are also goal-oriented, dynamic, self-starters and able to complete tasks and projects in good time and within the scope. They are also capable of collecting the relevant information using the required methods of assessment and carry out an extensive analysis of the data. More importantly, they have practical experience in the execution of various projects and can, therefore, conduct this research (Strauch & Meier, 1996).
Literature Review
Dreams refer to the subconscious occurrence of ideas, images, sensations, or emotions in the mind during various points of sleep. It is difficult to clearly define or comprehend the purpose of dreams of their content. However, there have been a number of scientific speculations as well as philosophical and religious views concerning the matter at hand through all recorded historical periods. Oneirology is the scientific assessment of dreams (Porter, 1987). According to scientists, all mammals do dream. They are conversely not very sure if the case applies to reptiles, birds and other animals. Dreams tend to happen in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleeping stage. This is when brain activity is at its highest and is similar to that of the state of awareness (Freud & Reese, 2005).
Dreams could last even for a few seconds. Recalling of a dream occurs if the individual is woken up during the REM stage. The average human being has between three and five dreams every night. Others even get as many as seven in a single night (Jung, 1974). As the night continues, dreams progress in length. Today, dreams are viewed as having a connection to the unconscious part of the mind, having a range of normal to bizarre. They vary in nature with some being frightening and others exciting, melancholic, or even sexual. At times, they could form a creative idea to the dreamer and inspire them (Ratcliff, 1996).
The interpretation of dreams goes back to between 5000 and 4000 BC. During Roman and Greek times, a popular belief was that dreams were a direct dispatch from their gods or the deceased. They also held the notion that dreams were a prediction of the future (Bulkeley, 1994). There was also the practice of dream incubation whereby some communities cultivated prophetic reveries (Domhoff, 2003).
Dreams have also been said to be manifestations of arcane desires and worries (Freud, 1950). They sometimes lead to subjugated memories of our childhood or things that we are obsessed with. Various methods have been developed for dream interpretation. Guidelines for comprehending signs or images visible in dreams are also devised (Barcaro, 2010).
Methodology
A descriptive model in the form of a research survey has been applied to this study in a bid to obtain the necessary information. Using the design, the research seeks to find out the effect of dreams on psychology. The population of the study entails a random group of people; children and adults combined. Due to such limitations as inadequacy of time and funds, the data will be collected from a small sample of the population. The data collection technique used will be in the form of a questionnaire previously mentioned. Some of the questions to be included are; whether the individual remembers their dream the previous night, what kind of dreams have they been experiencing of late, etc. The questions will be open-ended in order to get comprehensive data from the target population. For data analysis, pie charts and bar charts will be used for a visual expression.
Expected Findings and Implications
The research is expected to illustrate the impact that dreams have on individuals’ mental health and social life. Dreams influence people’s moods and help in providing solutions to personal troubles. There are also varieties of implications of this research. For instance, the study will consume a lot of time as it involves going from door to door in an attempt to collect data. It will also require much funding for transport, printing of questionnaires among other expenses. Another implication is the decline of participants to provide feedback.
References
Barcaro, U. (2010). The interwoven sources of dreams. London: Karnac.
Bulkeley, K. (1994). The wilderness of dreams: Exploring the religious meanings of dreams in modern Western culture. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Domhoff, G. W. (2003). The scientific study of dreams: Neural networks, cognitive development, and content analysis. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Freud, S. (1950). The interpretation of dreams. New York: Modern Library.
Freud, S., & Reese, J. (2005). Dreams. Old Saybrook, Conn.: Tantor Media.
Jung, C. G. (1974). Dreams. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
Lester, J. D. (2012). Writing research papers: A complete guide. Boston, Mass: Pearson.
Porter, L. M. (1987). The interpretation of dreams: Freud's theories revisited. Boston, Mass: Twayne Publishers.
Ratcliff, A. J. J. (1996). A history of dreams. London: Senate.
Strauch, I., & Meier, B. (1996). In search of dreams: Results of experimental dream research. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Wolman, B. B. (1979). Handbook of dreams: Research, theories, and applications. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
McNamara, P. (2004). An evolutionary psychology of sleep and dreams. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Publishers.
