Research

Cognitive Sciences and Psychology

Title :

Dream: Cognition and culture: A psycho-anthropological study on Nyishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh

Area of Research :

Cognitive Sciences and Psychology

Focus Area :

Dream Cognition, Cultural Neuroscience

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Kakali Goswami, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (791112)

Co-PI:

Dr. Dhritimaan Sarma, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (791112)

Contact info :

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Total Budget (INR):

31,72,520

Details

Executive Summary :

The proposal explores the concept of dreams among the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on their psychological interpretation and their connection to social behavior. The research will be based on fieldwork in the Nyishi areas, where the tribe is the largest community, around 5 lakh. Data will be collected through folklore, rites and rituals related to dreams, and anthropology will study dream interpretation from holistic perspectives. The problem will be defined as understanding the dream's cognitive and cultural perspective, as well as its relationship with behavior and society. The cultural perspective will examine the psychology of people within the tribe, based on their social and cultural background, family, village, and society. The study will be empirical, descriptive, and interdisciplinary, using both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data will be collected through participant observation, questionnaires, and interviews, while secondary data will be collected through published materials like books, journals, articles, and census reports. Internet searches will be conducted to gather up-to-date study materials. The proposed plan of action for utilizing the research outcome includes organizing national seminars, conducting workshops, publishing the work in peer-reviewed journals, and publishing the work as a book. The research will also consider the current postmodern debates in anthropology and ongoing debates on "etic" and "emic" perspectives.

Equipments :

Organizations involved