Explain the role of REM sleep in memory consolidation. Use ...

[123654777]

Explain the role of REM sleep in memory consolidation. Use experimental results to support your position.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the differences between repressed memories and false memories. What do the experimental results suggest?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[kkenney]

Answer to Question 1

REM sleep is the sleep stage characterized by dreaming and increased brainwave activity. In research, disruptions in REM sleep patterns the night after learning reduced the amount of improvement on a visual discrimination task that occurred relative to normal sleep. Other research also shows better learning with increases in the proportion of REM-stage sleep after exposure to learning situations. Research suggests that memory processes in the hippocampus are influenced by the production and integration of new cells into the neuronal network. REM sleep plays an important role in synaptic consolidation, whereby memories that were previously organized in slow-wave (deep) sleep are consolidated. Thus, a good night's sleep, which includes plenty of REM-stage sleep, aids in memory consolidation. REM sleep not only can help us remember things but also may play a role in weakening memories of low value.

Answer to Question 2

Repressed memories are memories that are alleged to have been pushed down into unconsciousness because of the distress they cause. Such memories, according to the view of psychologists who believe in their existence, are inaccessible, but they can be dredged up. Many psychologists strongly doubt the existence of repressed memories and others are highly skeptical. At the present time, no compelling evidence points to the existence of such memories. But psychologists also have not reached the point at which their existence can be ruled out definitively. Therefore, no clear conclusion can be reached at this time.

False memories are memories that are induced by the way in which questions are asked or by other information that is provided. False memories are well-supported by research and have important real-world implications.