Bizarreness of size and shape in dream images.
Bizarreness in dreams is defined as an unusual combination of features in the phenomenal unified consciousness, that is, an incoherent simulation of the waking world. The present study investigated the specific mechanisms underlying dream image production and the phenomenal unity of consciousness by focusing on size and shape bizarreness. Data were derived from a Dream Data Bank of experimental dream studies. Analyses revealed that feature distortion was quite infrequent. Results are discussed in terms of cognitive processes proposed in a dream production model. Theoretical cognitive constructs, such as Kosslyn's imagery model, memory systems functioning, and binding, were used to speculate about these two specific types of bizarreness.
Cicogna
P C
PC
Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, Bologna, Italy. pieracarla.cicogna@unibo.it
Occhionero
M
M
Natale
V
V
Esposito
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition; D003243:Consciousness; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology*; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008568:Memory; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010469:Perceptual Distortion; D017286:Polysomnography; D012858:Size Perception