Abstract

The presentation thesis attempted to answer some current questions regarding the relation between hypnotizability and perceptual automaticity. The major issues discussed included the convergence of subjective reports from high hypnotizable (HH) subjects regarding the nonvolitional or automatic nature of hypnotic responding. The nature of these experiences contrasts with the hypnotic experiences of low hypnotizable (LH) individuals, which are typically described as willful, deliberate actions in accord with the provided suggestions. HH and LH groups were provided with 2,304 practice trials naming four novel shapes, called RED, BLUE, GREEN AND YELLOW. The automaticity with which these shapes were processed was assessed. Response time data indicated that relative to the LH group, the HH group was quicker to display symmetrical interference from both dimensions of the stimuli. Based on these and additional results, it was cautiously concluded that HH subjects are quicker than LH subjects to acquire automatization of the shape-names. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of contemporary theories of hypnotizability differences.