Voice-recorded vs. written dream reports: A research note

Abstract

Previous research indicated that voice-recorded dreams are considerably longer than written dream reports. In a small randomized study this finding was replicated, the voice-recorded dreams were three times longer as the written reports. However, the participants in the writing condition reported more dreams and more links between dream elements and waking life, i.e., having a written dream report facilitates some tasks. Future research is needed to determine how strong the recording mode is affecting the results of dream content analytic studies and studies investigating the relationship between dreaming and waking life. Researchers should clearly state how dream reports were obtained.