Replication of Trance Logic Using a Modified Experimental Design: Highly Hypnotizable Subjects in Both Real and Simulator Groups

Abstract

A potentially useful method for diagnosing the presence of hypnosis has been the comparison of hypnotic Ss and simulators. The present study attempted to replicate the hypnotic-simulator differentiation in regard to trance logic, as originally described by Orne (1959), using a modified design in which Ss in the 2 conditions were matched for hypnotizability scores. Orne's doubled person hallucination (DPH) suggestion was presented, and the results showed significant differences between the 2 treatment conditions in both DPHs and spontaneous transparency reports. One interesting case of DPH occurred in the simulator group with one S in whom a hypnotic-like state was self-induced. In contrast to the placid acceptance of DPH among Ss in the hypnotic condition, the experience was a confusing and mildly disturbing one for this S, who was not expecting any unusual perceptual experiences. Trance logic results from the "metasuggestion," experienced through participation in a formal induction procedure, that hypnosis entails new rules of experience and behavior.