Dream content analysis: Basic principles

Abstract

Dream content analysis is one of the basic methods applied in psychological dream research. The method can be easily applied but several pitfalls must be avoided in order to get valid results. The present article outlines how to construct new scales and the problems related to reliability and validity of content analytic scales. In addition, statistical issues prominent in the analysis of dream content data are addressed. Despite the various efforts and published findings in dream research, the systematic study of the advantages and problems of the dream content analysis method is still at the beginning.