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Trinder and Kramer present a laboratory study of factors influencing the recall of dreams from the standpoint of 'classical memory theory process'. The
variables studied were: 1, position of the dream in the night; 2, length of the dream report; 3, the number of recalled dreams during the night; and 4, the intensity of the dream report. Results showed that: a, the last dream of the night was more likely to be recalled; b, longer dreams were more readily recalled in the morning; c, dream recall was better if fewer dreams were reportd in a night's sleep; and d, dreams of greater dramatic intensity were more easily recalled. Analysis of manifest content and recall showed no relationship between thematic content (sexual, aggressive, etc.) and probability of recall. The recall of dreams appeared influenced by principles included in 'classical memory theory'.
Although this study contains no important revelations regarding dream function for the analyst, it does serve to remind us that the recall of dreams may be influenced by certain 'conflict free' functions which are maintained by the dreaming ego, in addition to more apparent dynamic factors.