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Psychological Role of Sleep

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Submitted By raziourr
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Research Proposal: People views about the Psychological role of sleep in our lives

Date: August 26, 2013

Subject: Proposal to do a research paper/project on the people views about the psychological role of sleep in our lives.

INTRODUCTION

Sleep has been the subject of speculation and thought since the time of the early Greek philosophers, but recently scientists have discovered ways to study sleep in a systematic and objective way. With the advent of new technology, scientists are now being able to measure electrical patterns and activity produce by the sleeping brain.

Sleeping time is controlled by circadian clock (a biochemical mechanism that oscillates with a period of 24 hours and is coordinated within day-night cycle) and in humans to some extent by willed behavior. Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. Psychological role of sleep has a great impact on our lives. In today’s society, a lack of sleep and high energy are accepted as the “norm”. It seems that people have lost sight of the importance of sleep on our mental and physical health.

Many research studies have been conducted and have found that there are many benefits to sleeping regularly and well. It is not quantity that matters so much as quality of sleep. Research has also been done to study the future of sleep and how that may affect people psychologically. The field of sleep psychology is advancing, and will surely change the way that people look at the importance of sleep.
In this paper I will discuss why we need sleep, what can be causes of poor sleep, problems caused by sleep deprivation and the future research on sleep in the field of psychology

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In this research I will inquire about people’s view on the psychological role of sleep in our lives. The questions will help to find out people’s views and thoughts about sleep. Some important and interesting facts about sleep will come out through these questions. However, the following research questions will assist me to accomplish the research.

➢ What is sleep? Psychological effects. ➢ Why do we sleep? ➢ What are the benefits of sleep according to scientists? ➢ What are the roles of dreams? ➢ What happens to our brain while we are sleeping? ➢ What are the consequences of sleep deprivation?

HYPOTHESIS

From the general survey, I expect to have people’s view about the psychological role of sleep. If I do a general memory function test, then a fluctuating result may come forward based on the amount of people’s sleep. Another thing is that, if sleep is related to people’s thought process, then the amount of sleep will increase people’s cognitive behavior.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

For my primary research, I will conduct a survey in general public about the psychological role of sleep. For this I will design a questionnaire with various types of question to get clear idea about what people think about sleep, what are their views and opinions about the psychological role of sleep.

For my secondary research, I want to use the resources of the library and newspaper, magazines, articles from different sources, government documents, and academic web-sites. This would include the following sources

• Kendra Cherry, Oct 18, (2010), The Everything Psychology Book, 2nd Edition • Bolton Hall M.A, (1966), The Psychology of sleep ORGANIZATION

My research paper will be divided into several sections, the most crucial parts are Introduction, Background, Data Presentation and analysis, and Summary of Findings. Within these sections my organization will be based on my research questions and hypothesis.

TIMETABLE

I plan to complete my primary research by the end of July, and my secondary research by mid August. I shall complete my final draft of my research paper on time, and submit it towards the end of this semester on due time. REQUEST OF APPROVAL

I hereby request your approval for my research proposal. If you give me opportunity to modify or improve my proposal, I will resubmit it to you after making necessary changes. I would also be grateful for your advice and co-operation in case of conducting my research and completing the project.

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