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Experience of Responding to Imaginative Suggestions: A Micro-Phenomenological Interview Exploratory Study
Kevin Sheldrake1, Yesesvi Konakanchi1, Zoltan Dienes1
1School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
Summary
This study used micro-phenomenological interviews to explore altered reality experiences. Findings suggest high responders may not use goal-directed fantasies and are unaware of generating suggested behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Phenomenology investigates subjective experience.
- Phenomenological control aims to alter perceived reality.
- Micro-phenomenological interviews capture detailed, real-time experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate hypotheses on moment-to-moment experiences during altered reality perception.
- To explore the mechanisms of phenomenological control.
- To investigate subjective responses to imaginative suggestions.
Main Methods:
- Applied micro-phenomenological interviews to participants responding to imaginative suggestions.
- Qualitative analysis of interview data to generate hypotheses.
- Replicated the process with new participants to test initial hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Three hypotheses were supported by the data.
- Moderate responses involved goal-directed fantasies, while high responses did not.
- Low-scoring responses lacked reports of active sabotage.
- High and moderate responders seemed unaware of generating suggested cognitions/behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest distinct cognitive processes in different response levels to altered reality suggestions.
- Hypotheses generated require confirmation via quantitative studies for generalizability.
- Results may inform the understanding of phenomenological control mechanisms.
Keywords:
Automaticityhigher order thoughtshypnosishypnotic suggestionsimaginationimaginative suggestionsinvoluntarinessmetacognitionmicro-phenomenological interviewphenomenological controlphenomenologyMore Related Videos
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