Two experiments investigated autobiographical memory by studying dream reports. The continuity of autobiographical memory in the waking state and in sleep was demonstrated via Crovitz and Schiffman's retention function. The retention function was found to hold for vivid memories of dreams and vivid memories of waking experiences. It was also found to hold for waking events referenced in dream reports. In addition, the incidence of day residues was examined. About half of the dream reports collected included references to waking events of the previous day. The results were discussed in light of Freud's theory of dreams and cognitive theories of memory.
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