activation–synthesis hypothesis

a hypothesis that explains dreams as a product of cortical interpretation of random neural activity rising from the brainstem (specifically the pons). It has been superseded by the AIM model. See PGO spikes. [originated by U.S. psychiatrists J. Allan Hobson (1933– ) and Robert W. McCarley (1937– )]

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Psychology term of the day

February 2nd 2025

statistical prediction

the process of using correlations between variables to hypothesize about future events and outcomes. For example, a university administrator may use a regression equation to predict a student’s college grade point average with reasonable accuracy from measures of performance in high school, such as scores on tests and final grades in classes.