Acquisition and Processing of Information During States of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep and Slow-Wave Sleep

Abstract

This report reviews, analyzes, and summarizes experimental literature on 'sleep learning.' Findings are as follows: (1) Serious methodological flaws were found in all reported positive results. There is no evidence that semantic learning occurs when verbal material is presented to sleeping subjects. (2) A critical, but open-minded, test of sleep learning has not been done. Recommendations are made for an appropriate experiment. (3) If new material is presented to the sleeping subject, there is danger that it may interfere with normal nighttime processing of earlier daytime experiences.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA231772

Entities

People

  • John D. Molton

Organizations

  • University of Cambridge

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Brain
  • Classification
  • Cognition
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Eye Movements
  • Information Processing
  • Instructors
  • Learning
  • Literature
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Motor Skills
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Students

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Systems Analysis and Design