A hypnotized person responds to a suggestion by apparently becoming deaf. A researcher speaks a word, DREAM, which the person appears not to hear, and gestures for the person to choose one of the words on the screen: SLEEP, CREAM, GRILL, THICK. What is the likely result, and what conclusion does it imply?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the person is hypnotized and responded to the suggestion that made them temporarily deaf, they would not be able to hear the word 'DREAM'. Thus, they would have to rely on visual stimuli to make their decision. The word 'DREAM' is closely related to the words 'SLEEP' and 'CREAM', so the person is more likely to choose one of those options, implying that they heard the word 'DREAM'. They are less likely to choose 'GRILL' or 'THICK', which have no association with 'DREAM'.

A Hypnotized Person Responds to a Suggestion by Apparently Becoming