Pseudomemory in hypnotized and simulating subjects

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Hypnotizability is a trait associated with altered states of consciousness and suggestibility.
• Previous research suggests differences in memory reporting between high and low hypnotizable individuals.
• The role of simulation in mimicking hypnotic responsiveness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility of highly hypnotizable subjects and low hypnotizable simulators to pseudomemory suggestions.
• To compare the reporting of pseudomemories between these two groups under different conditions.
• To examine the influence of instructions on distinguishing fantasy from reality on pseudomemory rates.

Main Methods:

• Participants included high hypnotizable subjects (n=23) and low hypnotizable simulators (n=13).
• Subjects received pseudomemory suggestions, including a target noise suggestion during hypnosis.
• Pseudomemory recall was assessed after hypnosis and during a state of deep concentration.

Main Results:

• Both high hypnotizable subjects and simulators were equally likely to accept the target noise suggestion during hypnosis.
• Pseudomemory rates were comparable between groups after hypnosis and during deep concentration.
• Contrary to some prior studies, high hypnotizable subjects did not report more unsuggested noises or novel sound pseudomemories than simulators.

Conclusions:

• Hypnotizability level and simulation do not appear to significantly differentiate susceptibility to pseudomemory suggestions in this context.
• The ability to distinguish fantasy from reality, even under deep concentration, did not reduce pseudomemory rates.
• Pseudomemory reports were influenced by subjects' perceptions of the hypnotist's expectations.