Experimental-Psychological Dream Research

This chapter aims to describe the fundamentals of experimental-psychological dream research. First, a definition for the research subject of dreams is provided. The recollection of dreams plays a crucial role, although it is still unclear why people remember their dreams well or poorly. Subsequently, individual methodological steps of experimental-psychological dream research are introduced to systematically collect and analyze dream content. The formal and content description of dreams and their interaction with waking life is also explored, as is the discussion about possible functions of dreams.