Calvin Springer Hall, Jr., a psychologist well-known for his work with quantitative coding and content analysis, contends the images created in the mind during the dreaming process are an embodiment of thoughts with a sharp distinction between their perception and conception. The delineation between perception of the image (an individual looks at an image) and conception (an individual thinks about an image) is a key element to Hall's assertion that dreams are a cognitive function.
An indidivual can only see, or perceive, lightning in the midst of a storm, but a person can think of lightning anytime they so choose, conceptualizing it. In the dream this process becomes a visible image when it is transformed (or conceived) through the dreaming process, which does not necesitate that the dream image being tactile and in your line of sight, but does necessitate that you have perceived the image previously.
In order to interpret the dream, the dreamer must be able to translate and connect the fragmented images of the dream to their source outside the dream. Using quantitative analysis, the dreamer may be able to identify conceptual systems or individual conceptions which exist for them, and use these forces operating in their lives as tools for insight into their inner being.
Hall examined thousands of dream reports based on the anonymous, written expressions of college students willing to share their subjective dream experiences. He then concluded that the following conceptions are among those commonly found in the dreaming process.
Conceptions of self: these conceptions refer to the kinds and number of social roles we play out in dreams. The roles may be recurrent or few, or varied and extensive. When used in analysis, these are indicative of our self-concept.
Conceptions of other people: these conceptions refer to the roles of friends, family and other people in our dreams. Often, multiple conceptions of a particular character are found in our dreams, and these reflect our feelings about others and how wee interact with them.
Conceptions of the world: these conceptions are often expressed by dream setting, such as environment and surroundings of the dreamscape. Using these as analytical tools can help the dreamer discern if they view a certain aspect of the world as ugly, or beautiful; serene or turbulent.
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