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Similarities and differences between dreaming and waking cognition: an exploratory study
T L Kahan1, S LaBerge, L Levitan
1Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, California 95053, USA.
Consciousness and Cognition
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Dreaming cognition closely resembles waking cognition, with differences being more quantitative than qualitative. These findings apply to both practiced and novice dreamers, highlighting similarities in cognitive processes during sleep and wakefulness.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Sleep
- Dream Research
Background:
- Previous assumptions suggested significant qualitative differences between waking and dreaming cognition.
- Understanding the cognitive landscape of dreams is crucial for a comprehensive view of consciousness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the similarities and differences between cognitive, metacognitive, and emotional qualities of waking and dreaming experiences.
- To determine if high-order cognition during dreaming is exclusive to practiced dreamers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaires to assess cognitive and metacognitive features in 38 practiced and 50 novice dreamers.
- Compared self-reported qualities of recent waking and dreaming experiences.
Main Results:
- Dreaming cognition shows more quantitative than qualitative differences compared to waking cognition.
- High-order cognitive functions during dreaming are not limited to individuals skilled in dream recall.
- Attentional processes, internal commentary, and public self-consciousness were similar in both states; choice, self-reflection, and affect differed.
Conclusions:
- Dreaming cognition is remarkably similar to waking cognition, challenging prior distinctions.
- The cognitive architecture of dreams is accessible and comparable across different levels of dreaming experience.