Challenges in quantitative dream research: A commentary on Curtiss Hoffman’s “Research articles in Dreaming: A review of the first 20 years.”

Abstract

The paper of Curtiss Hoffman addresses important issues relevant to quantitative dream research. Although the paper is somewhat problematic, I hope the paper and this commentary will help to stimulate a fruitful discussion about the methodological standards in dream research. In my view the most important issues are: Formulating explicit hypotheses derived from theory, reporting sample characteristics (age, gender, and other study-relevant variables), application of adequate statistics (if necessary consult a statistician), and an obligatory discussion of methodological issues within the paper.