AP Psychology Practice Test

What is a dream?

1. An uncontrollable sleep attack

2. A sleep disorder with high arousal

3. A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts during sleep

4. Temporary cessation of breathing

The correct answer is: A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts during sleep

A dream is defined as a sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts that occur during sleep, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage, when brain activity is high and resembles that of wakefulness. During this state, the mind synthesizes experiences from daily life, memories, and emotions, leading to vivid and sometimes bizarre narratives that can evoke a range of feelings. This definition encompasses the varied and subjective nature of dreams, which can include anything from reflective thoughts to fantastical scenarios. In contrast, the other options refer to specific conditions or phenomena associated with sleep rather than defining what a dream is. An uncontrollable sleep attack relates to narcolepsy, which is a disorder where individuals experience sudden sleep episodes. A sleep disorder with high arousal typically pertains to conditions like sleep terrors or night terrors, which are characterized by intense fear and physiological responses during sleep, rather than a coherent dream experience. Lastly, temporary cessation of breathing describes sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts normal sleep cycles due to breathing difficulties, and not the experience of dreaming itself. The distinction is important as it highlights the unique nature of dreams compared to various sleep-related disorders.