1. GCSE Psychology Topic B Is dreaming meaningful?
Comparing dream theories

2. Learning objectives
To learn how to make comparisons between two theories.
To make comparison points between Freud’s theory and activation-synthesis theory.

3. How to compare 2 theories
In you every day life you make comparisons such as deciding what film to watch or what clothes to wear.
In order to do this though you make a list in your mind of why you should choose a particular one.
It is just the same when comparing dream theories.
You have to make a list of points about the 2 theories, then compare them to decide which is ‘better’ or which has the most strengths and weaknesses.
(You could see it as like a set of scales to weigh up which one is best)

4. Task 1-Pin the methodology on the dream theory
On your table there are different types of methodology written on each slip of paper. Working within your table, your task is to look at each one, cut them out and decide whether they are linked to Freud’ s theory or Hobson & McCarley’s theory.
Once you have decided, put them under the correct heading.

5. How well did you do? Case studies Little Hans Dream analysis
Free association
Slips of the tongue
Neurotransmitter functioning
Animal experiments
Brain scanning
EEG testing (detecting electrical activity in the brain)

6. Comparing two theories ~ using the methodology
How to compare theories:
You can compare two theories using methodology – say how it is similar or different and then what is good (strengths) or bad (weaknesses) about it.
methodology – refers to how psychology works, including how data are gathered. It involves considering ‘how do we know’?

7. Task 2
Now you have listed the methodology used in the 2 theories, write down how it is similar and how it is different. You also need to include what is good and bad about it.
E.g. free association needs interpretation from the researcher, whereas brain scanning, although it needs some interpretation, is much more objective.
Outline two method differences between Freud’s explanation of dreaming and Hobson and McCarley’s explanation of dreaming.
look back through your notes or the text book.
See the example of nature vs. nurture on page 69.

8. Comparing using the nature/nurture debate
Starter In your own words, write down what you think nature- nurture means and give examples.
Individual Task Using the table of comparison points of both dream theories, cut them out and then place them into either the nurture or nature headings

9. Exam question
Outline the nature-nurture debate using examples from Freud’s theory and Hobson and McCarley’s theory
write a short paragraph outlining the 2 sides of this debate

10. Comparing using credibility
Credibility means...
if a theory has been developed using scientific evidence it is said to be credible
If it also agrees with what we usually think it is also said to be credible
Does Freud’s theory have credibility? Explain. ~ (use page 69 to help)

11. Additional questions…
Is Hobson and McCarley’s theory credible? Why/not?
If you have time, copy the table comparing the two theories from page 69 ~ otherwise this is the start of your homework