The activation-synthesis theory of dreaming contends that: A. dreams are simply the by-product of bursts of activity in the brain B. dreams provide an outlet for energy invested in socially undesirable impulses. C. dreams represent the person's attempt to fulfill unconscious wishes. D. dreams are an attempt to restore a neurotransmitter balance within the brain.

Activation-Synthesis theory, proposed by J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley, suggests that dreams are a result of the brain interpreting random neural activity happening during sleep.

Now, let's analyze each of the answer choices to see which one aligns with the theory mentioned above: A. dreams are simply the by-product of bursts of activity in the brain: This choice seems to represent the core idea of the activation-synthesis theory, as it relates to brain activity during sleep. B. dreams provide an outlet for energy invested in socially undesirable impulses: This choice refers to Sigmund Freud's theory of dreams, which suggests that dreams function as a safety valve for the release of unconscious desires. This option is not related to the activation-synthesis theory. C. dreams represent the person's attempt to fulfill unconscious wishes: This option is also related to Freud's theory of dreams, specifically his idea of "wish fulfillment." D. dreams are an attempt to restore a neurotransmitter balance within the brain: Although this choice sounds scientific, it doesn't specifically align with the activation-synthesis theory, which mainly focuses on how random neural activity during sleep is interpreted by the brain.

Based on the analysis, the option that best represents the activation-synthesis theory of dreaming is Option A: "dreams are simply the by-product of bursts of activity in the brain."