Temporal sequencing during posthypnotic amnesia: A methodological critique.

Abstract

In a series of studies using the susceptibility-scale paradigm, high susceptible subjects were less likely than low susceptibles to recall the events of the hypnotic session in temporal sequence (i.e., temporal disorganization effect) following an amnesia suggestion. The primary measure of recall order was the rank-order correlation (rho scores) between the presentation order and the recall order of hypnotic experiences computed for each subject. Following a suggestion for posthypnotic amnesia, high susceptibles usually obtained lower rho scores than low susceptibles. We critically examined this research noting methodological shortcomings associated with the susceptibility-scale paradigm, inconsistent findings, and failures to replicate. We also presented two studies that found no relationship between susceptibility level and rho scores. These null results held true for subjects who recalled new information after cancellation of the amnesia suggestion (reversers) as well as for those who did not recall new information (nonreversers). Nevertheless, we did replicate previous work on differential recall of the first item. Suggestions for the development of a more adequate paradigm to assess recall order during amnesia using the susceptibility-scale paradigm are discussed. In 1973, Evans and Kihlstrom published the first in an influential series of articles on the organization of recall during posthypnotic amnesia (Evans & Kihlstrom, 1973; Kihlstrom, 1975; Kihlstrom & Evans, 1979). This line of research has frequently been credited with demonstrating a reliable association between posthypnotic amnesia and a breakdown in the temporal organization of recall (see reviews by Bowers, 1976;

Dissociative tendencies and individual differences in high hypnotic suggestibility

“…We first tested Barber's (1999) prediction of spontaneous posthypnotic amnesia by examining posthypnotic recall of hypnotic suggestions and recall organization (Evans & Kihlstrom, 1973;Radtke & Spanos, 1981). In line with our previous study and the extant literature, we expected that the two HS subtypes wouldn't di↵er in spontaneous amnesia.…”

The nonstate explanation of hypnosis: Stronger evidence is required

“…Evans and Kihlstrom (1973) reported a negative correlation between the serial organization of recall during hypnotic amnesia testing and hypnotic susceptibility. Radtke and Spanos (1981) twice failed to replicate this finding and an independent failure to replicate was reported by St. Jean and Coe (1981).…”

Hypnosis research: Paradigms in conflict

“…Jean and Coe (1981). Radtke and Spanos (1981) pointed to a number of sources of error in the Evans and Kihlstrom testing procedure that militated against successful replication. To their credit, Kihlstrom and Wilson (1984) devised a much stronger experimental procedure and again obtained evidence for their serial breakdown effect.…”