What is hypnosis?
An altered state of consciousness of increased suggestibility that a person may experience after being given instructions that suggest that they will enter this condition
Facts about hypnosis?
X everyone = hypnotised
15% pop. extremely susceptible
10% pop. ^ resistant
Ppl who are susceptible to hypnosis?
- form ^ vivid images
- become completely focused + ignore distractions
- belief + expect hypnosis to work
Characteristics of hypnotised ppl?
- open to suggestion
- quiet + still
- focussed attention
- planning + decision-making suspended
Suggestibility phenomena
-> what is post-hypnotic amnesia?
-hypnotised person = I trusted to forgot what happened during session on ‘awakening’ from state
Suggestibility phenomena -> what is post-hypnotic suggestion
- hypnotised person = told how to respond to certain situation when ‘awaken’
- > breaking bad habits
How to measure hypnosis?
Stanford hypnotic suggestibility scale
- 12 levels - ^ complexity
- record how deeply a person is hypnotised
- if participant follows suggestion-> particular level has been reached
Uses of hypnosis?
- Pain control - hypnosis has used to successfully replace anaesthesia during operations
- treatment of skin issues
- breaking bad habits
- weight loss
- phobias
- memory
- sporting performance to maximise inner potential
What is the state theory of hypnosis?
Proposes that a hypnotic state of consciousness does exist + separate from NWC
What is the non-state theory?
Proposes hypnosis X seperate state of consciousness w person being influenced by the social setting (role playing)
Reasons against hypnosis?
- ppl perform unlikely + uncharacteristic acts when asked by person w authority
- p. Playing social role behaving -> behaving how they are expected
- placebo effect
- poor scientific research methods for studies on effectiveness
- inconclusive brain recording findings
False memories by association?
Suggest a false event to a participant + they will believe it really happened
Hypnosis -> creation of more false memories
Recall memories under hypnosis -> ^ likely to believe in accuracy
