The proposed research offers a historical framework for understanding dream theory. Constructing this framework involves two basic processes. These are:
(1) investigating, recording, analyzing, and interpreting past conceptual models of the structure, functions, and meaning of dreams and dreaming and then
(2) delineating the relationship of these past models to current theoretical perspectives.
Like all historical analyses, the overall research goal will be to use developments over time in the phenomena of interest (theories of dreams) in order to arrive at key generalizations which establish a unifying pattern of thought giving rise to contemporary perspectives of dreams and dreaming.
What are dreams and what, if anything, do they mean? As noted by Stein (1995), both physical and behavioral scientists have formulated models attempting to delineate the nature of dreams and dreaming and the role of these phenomena in psychological and neurobiological processes. These models have been developed and, if not discarded, refined and expanded over time (Stein, 1995).
However, to-date, there has not been any historical analysis of the major theoretical models of dreams and dreaming. Such an analysis is important because it would assist in deepening the scientific and behavioral understanding of dreams by providing a chronological framework and organization to general dream theory development.
Since most of the expansions and refinements of dream theories have resulted from advancements in psychology and neurobiology occurring over time, it can be readily seen that the temporal factor plays an important role in the development of models of dreams and dreaming. As a result, the provision of a chronological framework, such as that provided by a historical analysis, is highly relevant to understanding both past and the present perspectives of dreams and dreaming.
This study constitutes a historical analysi...