Question 1

In a research study about hypnosis, participants were told prior to hypnosis that they could push a button on the desk if they experienced any pain during the procedure (and the researchers would stop). During hypnosis, participants held their hands in ice-water for as long as possible. Several participants claimed to feel no pain, but were pressing the button without any conscious awareness. Which theory of hypnosis can account for this type of result?

Accepted Answer

Dissociation theory suggests that hypnosis involves a splitting of consciousness into two parts, where one part follows the hypnotist's suggestions and another part remains aware of reality. In this study, participants who claimed to feel no pain but pressed the button unconsciously may have been experiencing this split in consciousness, where the part of them following the hypnotist's suggestion to feel no pain was different from the part that was aware of the pain and pressing the button.

Question 2

Contrary to popular public opinion regarding hypnosis, people who are hypnotized can

Accepted Answer

People who are hypnotized can resist and oppose hypnotic suggestions at will, indicating that they maintain a degree of control and awareness during hypnosis.

Question 3

Researchers have demonstrated that people who believe that hypnosis will help them quit smoking have much greater success in quitting than people who don't believe that hypnosis will be effective. Which theory of hypnosis is supported by this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The evidence that a person's belief in the effectiveness of hypnosis plays a role in successfully quitting smoking supports the sociocognitive theory of hypnosis, which emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping beliefs and expectations about hypnosis. This theory suggests that hypnosis works when people believe it will work, and that the hypnotic experience is shaped by the individual's expectations and the social context in which it occurs.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a psychedelic drug?

Accepted Answer

Marijuana is considered a psychedelic drug because it can alter perception, mood, and consciousness. Codeine, morphine, and heroin are considered opioid drugs, which primarily affect the central nervous system by blocking pain signals.

Question 5

What does the research evidence suggest about the relationship between hypnosis and sleep states?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that when people are hypnotized, their brain activity is more similar to an awake state than to any sleep stage. Hypnosis involves a state of focused attention, relaxation, and suggestibility, but it is not equivalent to any stage of sleep.

Question 6

The metaphor of a hidden observer that can be accessed by a hypnotherapist is associated with which theory of hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

The metaphor of a hidden observer is associated with the dissociation theory of hypnosis, which proposes that hypnosis involves a split in consciousness between a highly aware, rational "executive function" and a separate, hidden observer that remains aware of all experiences but is not in control of the individual's actions.

Question 7

Which of the following drugs is a depressant?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down the central nervous system, causing reduced cognitive function, impaired judgment, and decreased reaction time. The other options, marijuana and LSD, are hallucinogens that can alter perception and mood, and tobacco is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 8

What proportion of people are considered to be highly suggestible?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that approximately 15-20% of people are highly suggestible. This means that these individuals are more likely to accept and act on suggestions given by others, even if the suggestions are not entirely accurate or reasonable.

Question 9

Which theory of hypnosis argues that hypnosis is a normal variation of consciousness rather than a state that is altered, or unique?

Accepted Answer

Sociocognitive theory argues that hypnosis is a normal variation of consciousness that is influenced by social and cognitive factors, rather than a state that is altered or unique. This theory suggests that hypnotic experiences are not due to a special state of consciousness, but rather to the power of suggestion, social expectations, and the individual's ability to focus their attention on the hypnotist's suggestions. This view is in contrast to the dissociation theory, which suggests that hypnosis involves a division or dissociation of consciousness, and the psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the role of unconscious conflicts and motivations in hypnosis. The activation-synthesis theory is a theory of dreaming, not hypnosis.

Question 10

What theory of hypnosis states that individuals who are highly suggestible are simply responding to cues from the hypnotist, rather than truly entering an altered state of consciousness?

Accepted Answer

Sociocognitive theory proposes that hypnosis results from a combination of socially learned expectations and cues from the hypnotist, rather than an altered state of consciousness. This theory contends that highly suggestible individuals may be especially attuned to these cues and expectations, leading them to respond to the hypnotist’s suggestions more readily.

Question 11

Sarah witnessed a robbery and is having difficulty clearly remembering the details of what the perpetrator looked like and what he said. She asks you if she should undergo hypnosis to help her to remember. Based on what you have learned in your psychology class, what should you advise her?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that memories retrieved under hypnosis are not always accurate and can be influenced by the hypnotist's suggestions. It is possible that under hypnosis, Sarah may retrieve false memories or details that did not actually occur. Therefore, it is not recommended for her to undergo hypnosis as it may compromise the accuracy of her recollection of the crime.

Question 12

Which of the following is similar between our responses to hypnosis and our responses to psychoactive drugs?

Accepted Answer

Both our responses to hypnosis and psychoactive drugs are influenced by our expectations and beliefs. People who believe that they will have a certain response to hypnosis or a drug are more likely to experience that response. Additionally, the placebo effect can come into play with both hypnosis and psychoactive drugs, where a person experiences a perceived effect simply because they believe they have taken a certain substance or undergone a certain procedure.

Question 13

When Jack first started drinking, he would feel very drunk after just a few drinks. Years later, he needs to drink more in order to feel that same level of intoxication. Which of the following terms describes the change in Jack's experience?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance refers to the process in which the body becomes less responsive to a substance (in this case, alcohol) over time, leading the individual to require larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect as before. This is a common experience in individuals who regularly abuse alcohol or other drugs.

Question 14

Studies on hypnosis have sought to identify physiological markers of this state. A recent study suggested that __________ was a unique marker of a hypnotic trance, although this conclusion was based on data from only one participant.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Studies on hypnosis have sought to identify...

Question 15

Which of the following general statements best expresses the authors' view of the general public's knowledge and understanding of hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

The article suggests that the general public is not well informed about the scientific developments regarding hypnosis, as they often hold misconceptions about it being a mystical or magical process rather than a scientifically studied phenomenon. The article does not indicate that the general public understands the limitations of hypnosis as a memory recall technique or that they believe hypnosis is a true altered state of consciousness.

Question 16

What allows psychoactive drugs to affect our experiences or alter our consciousness?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What allows psychoactive drugs to affect our...

Question 17

Which of the following states is most similar to the state of hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is most similar to a state of awake relaxation, where the individual is conscious but in a deeply relaxed state. Unlike intoxication with hallucinogens, REM sleep, or out-of-body experiences, hypnosis involves a focused attention and increased suggestibility without the loss of control or the vivid hallucinations and dreams associated with the other states.

Question 18

Which of the following factors fails to explain why people experience hypnotic effects?

Accepted Answer

Excessive activation of the frontal lobes is not a factor that explains why people experience hypnotic effects. The other options (unconscious drives and motivations, receptivity to suggestion, and a willingness to overlook logical inconsistencies) are all factors that contribute to hypnotic effects.

Question 19

__________ dependence is motivated by intense cravings for a drug, even though the drug might cause personal problems.

Accepted Answer

Physical dependence refers to the body's physical adaptation to a drug, while psychological dependence refers to the intense cravings and emotional dependence on a drug, even if it causes personal problems. Hypnotic and tension are not relevant to drug dependence.

Question 20

One of the best predictors of whether people will experience a past life memory while undergoing regression therapy is

Accepted Answer

People who accept the existence of reincarnation are more likely to experience past life memories during regression therapy because their pre-existing beliefs make them more open to the suggestion of having lived previous lives. This openness influences their experiences and perceptions during the therapy.

Quiz 5: Consciousness