US High School Psychology Practice Exam

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According to Freud, what is the surface content of a dream called?

Manifest content
Latent content
Dream symbols
Cognitive content

The correct answer is: Manifest content

Freud distinguishes between two aspects of dreams: manifest content and latent content. The manifest content refers to the actual storyline and images presented in the dream itself, essentially what the dreamer remembers upon waking up. It represents the surface or explicit elements of the dream, often influenced by the dreamer's experiences, thoughts, and feelings. In contrast, latent content involves the underlying meanings and hidden psychological significance that might not be immediately apparent. This deeper layer reflects the unconscious desires and thoughts that Freud believed were expressed through the dream's symbols and narratives. Understanding this distinction is crucial in psychoanalytic theory and helps clarify how Freud interpreted dreams as a window into the unconscious mind. In this context, the surface content being referred to aligns with manifest content, providing a clear understanding of how Freud viewed the role and purpose of dreams in psychological analysis.