A biological theory of dreaming

1. A biological theory of dreaming LO1: To define the parts of a neuron to understand how the brain sends signals by representing the process of synaptic transmission. LO2: To demonstrate Hobson & McCarley ’s (1977) activation synthesis theory to understand their theory.

2. Learning objectives Lesson 1: LO1: To define the parts of a neuron to understand how the brain sends signals by representing the process of synaptic transmission. Lesson 2: LO2: To demonstrate Hobson & McCarley ’s (1977) activation synthesis theory to understand their theory.

3. Starter: Recap Below is a diagram of a neuron. Starting from the dendrites, put in order the following terms as the message would ‘encounter’ them: terminal branches, cell body, dendrites, axon, synaptic gap. 4. Terminal branches 1. Dendrites 2. Cell body 3. Axon 5. Synaptic gap This slide has additional animation for Alex

4. Representing synaptic transmission • Task: In groups you will recreate the process of synaptic transmission, this could take many forms: an A3 diagram (beautifully drawn); a video demonstration/explanation; a song/rap (Molly’s group); a pop-up book…or anything else that is creative! • Your work must include: • All the parts of a neuron: Cell body, 2) Dendrites, 3) Axon, 4) Terminal buttons, 5) Synaptic gap (and an explanation of their function – refer back to your definitions) • An explanation of the process/stages involved in synaptic transmission (see below). 4. Terminal branches 1. Dendrites 2. Cell body 3. Axon 5. Synaptic gap

5. A biological theory of dreaming LO: To definethe parts of a neuron to understand how the brain sends signals by representing the process of synaptic transmission. LO2: To demonstrate Hobson & McCarley’s (1977) activation synthesis theory to understand their ideas. P

6. A biological theory of dreaming… • Hobson & McCarley (1977) – Activation-synthesis theory • Simply put: • Dreams are randomly activated messages (neurons firing). • Which are synthesised (put together & interpreted) in a story. Let’s demonstrate…on the post-it notes - write a random name (green), a random place (yellow) and a random verb (action). A boring example would be… Place Verb Name Bexley Grammar Mr Sparks Teach

7. A biological theory of dreaming… • Once we have randomised the post-its you will synthesise your three words into a dream, it can be as elaborate and odd as a real dream might appear. • For example… Place Verb Name

8. Homework The next two slides contain many key words related to activation-synthesis. These words appear in bold yellow font.Pay close attention to the definition of these terms now and revise them for homework. On Friday we will have a quiz related to these terms.

9. A biological theory of dreaming… • According to Hobson & McCarley (1977) activation-synthesis takes place during REM sleep. • REM sleep is one of the five stages of sleep and is the last to occur. • REM – rapid eye movement (the eyelids flicker very quickly). This happens approx. 5 times per night. • As REM sleep is easily recognised scientists can study brain activity using an EEG (electroencephalograph). • During REM sleep, sensory blockade occurs. • Incoming information from the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell) is blocked. • Furthermore, movement inhibition also occurs. • Physical movements are also blocked so no outgoing movement are made by the body.

10. A biological theory of dreaming… • However, during REM sleep random activation occurs. • Random neurons are activated and impulses provide information as if it were from the senses. • This is the activationpart of the theory. • This information is generated inside the brain (internally-generated information). • The brain tries to make sense of this ‘nonsense’ information by synthesising it into a story. • This is the synthesispart of the theory.