Prospective vs Associative memory in the MILD technique.

[Turbo]

In ETWOLD, LeBerge argues the prospective memory is the key to MILD. Definition: Prospective memory is a form of memory that involves remembering to perform a planned action or recall a planned intention at some future point in time So we set the intention before falling asleep to become lucid in the near future, fall asleep and remember we wanted to become lucid. He then presents prospective memory exercises where you set triggers, and then set an intention to question reality the first time you see them. Many of you are familiar with this exercise. I would argue that this exercise is strengthening associative memory instead of prospective memory and therefore not useful for MILD. Definition: Associative memory is defined as the ability to learn and remember the relationship between unrelated items. Associative memory is how we link a dream sign with becoming lucid. Since there is no trigger point in the MILD technique I would argue that this exercise is not valid for MILD. The method focuses on becoming lucid "later" (prospective) and not when we see a dream sign (associative.) Thoughts?

[dolphin]

I think both prospective and associative memory are equally important in MILD. I agree that associative memory is not emphasized enough by LaBerge's commentary of MILD, but it is included in the technique itself. The part of the technique where one visualizes becoming lucid in a past dream upon seeing a dream sign is the part of the technique that exercises associative memory. If prospective memory fails during a dream, the dreamer can't remember dream goals they planned to do. Remembering dream goals often plays a big role in increasing and anchoring lucidity.

[Turbo]

The part of the technique where one visualizes becoming lucid in a past dream upon seeing a dream sign is the part of the technique that exercises associative memory. Excellent point!