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Have the hypnotic susceptibility scales outlived their usefulness?
1Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
This study critiques the common method of preselecting participants for hypnosis research based on suggestibility scales. It suggests alternative approaches for understanding hypnotic susceptibility and its underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Hypnotic suggestibility scales are frequently used to preselect high- and low-scoring participants in hypnosis research.
- This methodology is common but faces several critiques regarding its validity and interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the methodology of using preselected groups based on hypnotic suggestibility scales.
- To propose alternative research strategies for investigating hypnotic susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews and critiques existing research methods in hypnotic suggestibility.
- It draws parallels with developments in related research areas, such as intelligence research.
Main Results:
- Critiques suggest that preselection methods may obscure important underlying mechanisms of hypnosis.
- Sociocognitive theorists are encouraged to directly manipulate variables related to hypnotic susceptibility.
- Neodissociative theorists are advised to examine the distinctions obscured by current scales.
Conclusions:
- The current method of preselecting participants based on hypnotic suggestibility scales warrants critical re-evaluation.
- Alternative approaches focusing on direct variable manipulation and nuanced theoretical distinctions are recommended for advancing hypnosis research.