The Riddle of Hypnosis

Question 1

Define: Hypnosis

Answer 1

-a procedure in which a practitioner suggests changes in: perception, sensation, thoughts, feelings, or behavior

Question 2

Hypnotic Suggestions include…

Answer 2

• performance of an action
• inability to perform an action
• distortion of memory or perception
• acting involuntarily

Question 3

Describe: a hypnotized person’s awareness

Answer 3

• attention turns toward the hypnotist’s voice

- person remains fully aware during experience unless instructed otherwise

Question 4

What does hypnotic responsiveness depend on?

Answer 4

• depends on efforts and qualities of the person being hypnotized more than the actual hypnotist
• some people are just more responsive than others

Question 5

Can hypnotized people be forced to do things against their own will?

Answer 5

• NO

- a person will not violate their own morals or be a danger to themselves and others

Question 6

Does hypnosis increase the accuracy of memory?

Answer 6

• NO
• increases risk of false answer
• pseudomemories are common

Question 7

Can feats performed under hypnosis be performed by motivated people without hypnosis?

Answer 7

-yes

Question 8

Does hypnosis allow a re-experiencing of past events?

Answer 8

-NO

Question 9

Hypnotic Suggestions have been used effectively for…

Answer 9

Psychologically
-dealing with emotions, chronic pain, stress, anxiety

Medically
-obesity, chemotherapy nausea, IBS, and skin cancer

Question 10

What are the 2 competing theories of hypnosis today?

Answer 10

• dissociation theory

- sociocognitive approach

Question 11

Who argued the Dissociation Theory?

Answer 11

-Ernest Hilgard

Question 12

Define: Dissociation Theory of hypnosis

Answer 12

hypnosis involves dissociation, a split in consciousness in which one part of the brain operates independently of others

• one part of the mind is subject to suggestion (executive control system of the mind)
• one part is the hidden observer (watching, but not participating)

Question 13

How are dissociation theories of hypnosis consistent with modern brain theories?

Answer 13

-they both report one part of the brain being the interpreter and reporter of unconscious brain activities

Question 14

Describe: sociocognitive approach to hynosis

Answer 14

• hypnosis results from an interaction between…
• social influence of the hypnotist
• cognitions of the subject

-the subject’s responses are a reaction to the social demands of the situation and suggestions of the hypnotist

Question 15

What approach would explain why some people report having memories of alien abduction?

Answer 15

sociocognitive approach

-the hypnotist ultimately shapes the client’s story

Question 16

What does the study of hypnosis teach us?

Answer 16

teaches us about…

• human suggestibility
• power of imagination
• the way we perceive past and present