High and low hypnotisable subjects were shown a series of slides depicting a purse-snatching. Subsequently, in either hypnotic or nonhypnotic (control) conditions it was suggested to subjects that they had seen a scarf on the offender. Subjects' reporting of this suggested pseudomemory was tested when they were with the f i t experimenter, twice when they were with an independent second experimenter, and when they were contacted away from the laboratory by an independent third experimenter. The findings indicated that pseudomemory reporting occurred similarly in the hypnotic and nonhypnotic conditions, but that it occurred for more high than low hypnotisable subjects. Pseudomemory reporting decreased whenit was assessed away from the laboratory setting. These findings are discussed in terms of the cognitive and social factors that appear to influence suggested pseudomemory.3, 155-159. 268-277. I We are grateful to Jean-Roch Laurence and Campbell Perry for providing the slides. 83, A~~t d h

We sought to extend the finding (Laurence & Perry, 1983) that it is possible through hypnosis to create a pseudomemory of a specific event. Subjects were compared on their responses to a hypnotic suggestion. We also examined the relation between nonhypnotic measures (Preference for an Imagic Cognitive Style [PICS] test and the Tellegen Absorption Scale [TAS]) and response to the suggestion. Highly (45.45%) and moderately-highly (46.15%) susceptible subjects believed that the pseudomemory was veridical, but none of the low susceptible subjects did so. Together, hypnotic susceptibility, the PICS, and their interaction more strongly predicted pseudomemory creation than any of these main effects alone. Performance on the TAS was also related to the occurrence of pseudomemory, but this relation was redundant with performance on the other measures. These results point to the complexity of the variables involved in pseudomemory creation during hypnosis.

The present study examined the relation between various self-report measures and two measures of hypnotizability within a multivariate framework. A group of 748 participants was tested on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A), the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS), as well as the Preference for an Imagic Cognitive Style (PICS) questionnaire. One hundred ninety of these participants also completed the Paranormal Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ). Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression equations, and the results of the analyses indicated that both the TAS and PICS accounted for significant amounts of unique variance in each of two 373-member samples of HGSHS:A scores. A further sub-sample of participants (n = 161) was tested on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) to see if these results would generalize to another measure of hypnotizability. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that although the PEQ predicted significant amounts of unique SHSS:C variance over and above that predicted by the TAS, the PICS failed to do so. This inconsistency in results may be due in part to the generally low intercorrelation between the different hypnotizability scales and points to the need to develop new predictor variables that are orthogonal to each other.

The present study examined a selected group of potential jurors' opinions on the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness identification and testimony. A group of 78 undergraduate psychology and optometry students completed a 2-part multiple choice questionnaire. The first part assessed Ss' knowledge of several issues concerning eyewitness testimony. The second part of the questionnaire contained 11 items which assessed Ss' beliefs and expectations concerning the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness identification and testimony. It was found that Ss' opinions on the effects of hypnosis on eyewitness testimony and identification were at odds with current empirical findings. These results, in accord with the previous literature, suggest that it is imperative that the courts be informed of the use of hypnosis during police work and that adequate precautions be taken to avoid a potential source of miscarriage of justice.

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