Question 1

Hypnosis can be a useful investigative tool. In the hands of a trained hypnotist, people can return to the scene of a crime and visually zoom in on details that they did not notice at the time.

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is not a reliable investigative tool as it can lead to false memories or confabulations, and its use in legal settings is highly controversial and often inadmissible in court.

Question 2

REM sleep behavior disorder involves a failure of the brain mechanisms that normally suppress voluntary actions during REM sleep, and the person verbally and physically responds to the unfolding dream story, which is then remembered in vivid detail upon awakening.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes REM sleep behavior disorder.

Question 3

Sleep-related eating disorder involves a failure of the brain mechanisms that normally suppress voluntary actions during REM sleep, and thus the person eats compulsively during sleep.

Accepted Answer

Sleep-related eating disorder occurs during non-REM sleep, not REM sleep, and involves episodes of eating while in a state of partial arousal.

Question 4

There is evidence that some people can undergo painful medical and dental procedures, including surgery, with no anesthesia other than hypnosis.

Accepted Answer

There are documented cases of people undergoing medical and dental procedures with no anesthesia other than hypnosis. However, it is important to note that this is not the norm and may not be suitable or effective for everyone. It should only be performed by trained professionals.

Question 5

Highly hypnotizable people tend to be those who can become deeply absorbed in imaginary experiences, such as reading novels or watching movies, and who approach hypnosis with a positive, responsive attitude.

Accepted Answer

Highly hypnotizable people are often those who can engage in vivid fantasies and have a willingness to participate in the hypnotic process. This often includes being able to vividly imagine and become absorbed in imaginary experiences, such as reading novels or watching movies, and having a positive attitude towards hypnosis.

Question 6

Hypnotically induced age regression can produce vivid, accurate recall of your earliest experiences.

Accepted Answer

Hypnotically induced age regression can lead to vivid memories, but these are often not accurate and can be influenced by suggestion or imagination rather than actual events.

Question 7

The effects of posthypnotic suggestions can linger for years if they are not removed by some signal from the hypnotist.

Accepted Answer

Posthypnotic suggestions typically do not last for years without reinforcement or re-induction of hypnosis. They usually require periodic reinforcement to maintain their effects.

Question 8

REM sleep behavior disorder is characterized by the brain's failure to suppress voluntary muscle movements during sleep.

Accepted Answer

During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a stage of sleep characterized by vivid dreams, the brain normally sends signals to inhibit muscle movement. In individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder, this suppression of muscle movement does not occur, leading to the person physically acting out their dreams during sleep.

Question 9

Under hypnosis, people can experience vivid hallucinations, temporary blindness, or paralysis.

Accepted Answer

Under hypnosis, it is possible for people to experience vivid hallucinations, temporary blindness, or paralysis as a result of suggestion from the hypnotherapist. However, it is important to note that these effects are not typical and may vary depending on the individual's susceptibility to hypnosis and the suggestions given during the session.

Question 10

Although it is interesting, REM sleep behavior disorder is basically harmless.

Accepted Answer

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a serious sleep disorder in which a person physically acts out their dreams, often violently. It can result in injury to the person with RBD, as well as to their sleeping partner. It has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Treatment is recommended for RBD.

Question 11

Under hypnosis, highly susceptible people act as if they are experiencing hallucinations, temporary paralysis, or blindness, but several research studies have conclusively shown that these so-called hypnotized people are actually faking their responses.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is true that some individuals may fake their responses during hypnosis, research has also shown that highly susceptible individuals can experience genuine changes in perception and behavior while under hypnosis. Therefore, it is not accurate to state that "several research studies have conclusively shown" that all hypnotized people are faking their responses.

Question 12

REM sleep behavior disorder is a parasomnia in which the sleeper sleepwalks and eats compulsively.

Accepted Answer

REM sleep behavior disorder involves acting out dreams during REM sleep, not sleepwalking or compulsive eating.

Question 13

While hypnosis does not enhance the accuracy of a memory, it does increase a subject's confidence in the accuracy of a memory, even if the memory is completely false.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that hypnosis can increase a person's confidence in the accuracy of a memory, even if the memory is completely false. However, this does not mean that hypnosis is a reliable tool for accurately recalling past events. In fact, some experts caution against the use of hypnosis for memory retrieval, as it can lead to the creation of false memories and distortions of actual events.

Question 14

Although a few exceptional people can carry on a normal conversation and remain aware of their surroundings while they are under hypnosis, most people enter a deep, sleeplike trance in which they lose all conscious awareness.

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis does not typically cause a loss of all conscious awareness; most people remain aware and can respond to suggestions while in a hypnotic state.

Question 15

As a general rule, children younger than 10 years of age cannot be hypnotized.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Children younger than 10 years of age can be hypnotized, but they may not respond as well as older children or adults, and it may require a different approach. It is important to work with a qualified professional who has experience in hypnotherapy for children.

Question 16

While a person is hypnotized, the hypnotist has complete control of the hypnotized person's behavior.

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis does not give the hypnotist complete control of the person's behavior. The hypnotized person is still aware of their surroundings and has the ability to make decisions, although suggestions from the hypnotist may influence their behavior to some extent. The hypnotized person also has the ability to snap out of hypnosis if they choose to do so.

Question 17

The primary cause of REM sleep behavior disorder is excessive levels of melatonin.

Accepted Answer

The primary cause of REM sleep behavior disorder is not excessive levels of melatonin, but rather the loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep, which allows people to act out their dreams.

Question 18

REM sleep behavior disorder is an example of a parasomnia.

Accepted Answer

REM sleep behavior disorder is a type of parasomnia that causes individuals to physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, rather than remaining paralyzed as is typical during this stage of sleep.

Question 19

Sleep researchers have been unable to find evidence to confirm sleep-related eating disorder.

Accepted Answer

Sleep-related eating disorder is a real condition that has been recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Studies have identified individuals who experience eating episodes during the night while sleepwalking or in a semi-conscious state. However, more research is needed to fully understand this disorder.

Question 20

Under hypnosis, people temporarily lose their sense of initiative and voluntarily follow the hypnotist's instructions, yet they cannot be forced to do something against their will.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Even under hypnosis, a person still has their own sense of free will and cannot be forced to do something that goes against their core values or beliefs.

Quiz 4: Consciousness and Its Variations