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Related Experiment Videos

Pseudomemory in hypnotized and task-motivated subjects.

J R Weekes1, S J Lynn, J P Green

  • 1Psychology Department, Ohio University, Athens 45701.

Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|May 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Highly hypnotizable (H) individuals and task-motivated (TM) subjects experienced pseudomemories after suggestions. Despite being more awake, TM subjects were more susceptible to noise suggestions, with high rates of pseudomemories in both groups.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Pseudomemories, or false memories, can be induced through suggestion.
  • Individual differences in hypnotizability may influence susceptibility to suggestion and memory distortion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of pseudomemories in highly hypnotizable (H) and task-motivated (TM) subjects following auditory suggestions.
  • To examine the impact of deep concentration on distinguishing reality from fantasy in memory recall.
  • To compare the rates and characteristics of pseudomemories between H and TM subjects.

Main Methods:

  • Administered pseudomemory suggestions to H (n=16) and TM (n=13) participants.
  • Assessed subject motivation and awareness during the task.
  • Utilized deep concentration techniques and final inquiry to evaluate memory stability and confidence.

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Main Results:

  • TM subjects reported higher alertness and motivation; they were more likely to accept the noise suggestion.
  • A significant proportion (69%) of subjects across both groups who accepted the noise suggestion reported pseudomemories.
  • H subjects exhibited higher rates of unsuggested noises and pseudomemories of novel noises compared to TM subjects.
  • Confidence in memory accuracy was higher for those reporting pseudomemories than for those who identified them as imagined.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudomemory formation is prevalent in both H and TM individuals, even when informed about distinguishing reality and fantasy.
  • Hypnotizability is associated with a greater propensity for reporting novel pseudomemories and unsuggested sensory experiences.
  • Confidence in memory accuracy does not necessarily correlate with the objective reality of the memory.