Abstract

The present study sought to investigate the relation between hidden-observer reports and pseudomemory. The study also investigated the rates of hidden-observer responses in age regression. During the screening session subjects were tested on (a) the Tellegen absorption scale (Tellegen, 1980, 1982), (b) The imagery scale of Paivo and Harshman's (1983), Individual Differences Questionnaire, (c) the Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire (Conway, 1994), (d) The Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A of Shor and E. Orne (1962). Two experimental groups with different instructions about memory and a control group, participated in a further session to measure their responses to a memory creation item, and to assess the rates of hidden-observer responding. Consistent with previous literature both the phenomenon of memory creation and an increase in confidence in these memories were demonstrated. Memory strength was found not relevant to memory creation. The factors that predicted memory creation were hypnotizability, duality, and cognitive effort. A schema-model was presented to explain the results of this study. Rates of hidden-observer reports by low and medium hypnotizables emphasized the importance of both individual and contextual variables for producing a hidden-observer response. These results were explained as supporting a synergistic model of hypnosis.