Activation-synthesis hypothesis
Activation-synthesis hypothesis
The Activation-synthesis hypothesis is a neurobiological theory of dreams first proposed by J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley in 1977. The hypothesis suggests that dreams are a result of the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity that occurs during sleep.
Pronunciation
- Activation: /ˌæk.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/
- Synthesis: /ˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/
- Hypothesis: /haɪˈpɒθ.ɪ.sɪs/
Etymology
The term "Activation-synthesis hypothesis" is derived from the two key processes involved in this theory: "activation" referring to the random neural activity, and "synthesis" referring to the brain's attempt to make sense of this activity.
Related Terms
- Neurobiology: The study of the nervous system and its structure, development, function, chemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.
- Dreams: A succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
- Sleep: A naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles.
- J. Allan Hobson: An American psychiatrist and dream researcher.
- Robert McCarley: An American neuroscientist who was a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Activation-synthesis hypothesis
- Wikipedia's article - Activation-synthesis hypothesis
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