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An analysis of hypnotic reading disruptions

This thesis investigated hypnotic reading disruptions to identify parameters of hypnosis that may influence reading and to inform the broader issue of whether hypnotic suggestions impact phenomenal experience versus perceptual-cognitive processing. Chapter 1 reviews the relevant literature and identifies core issues addressed by this program. Chapter 2 presents two experiments and two case studies, which focused on establishing a paradigm for investigating hypnotic reading disruptions; in particular, modulation of the Stroop effect. Findings indicated that disruptions of reading experience and/or reading processing may be influenced by the complexity of the suggestion and the natural response strategies of individuals. Chapter 3 presents two experiments that examined the influence of test time and test demands, and explored the experiential factors underlying response to different suggestions. Findings indicated that both hypnotic and posthypnotic suggestions produced disruptions of reading experience but not reading processing. Also, individuals?? experiences and cognitive strategies varied depending on the suggestion they received. Chapter 4 presents two experiments that compared the impact of three suggestions on reading experience and reading processing. Findings indicated that highs were more likely to achieve disruptions of reading experience in response to a suggestion compatible with their natural strategies. Notably, some highs altered their reading processing and hypnotically modulated Stroop interference. Other highs and lows modified their reading processing, but independent of hypnosis, hypnotisability and a suggestion. Chapter 5 presents one experiment that examined the time course of hypnotic reading disruptions and the influence of test context. Findings indicated that highs could maintain disruptions of reading experience over time. They also modified their reading processing independent of hypnosis and a suggestion. Chapter 6 presents one experiment that examined implicit perception, and the impact of hypnosis and hypnotisability. Findings indicated that highs were influenced by information from reading processing despite their experiences of disrupted reading. Chapter 7 interprets the findings of this program within a proposed model of hypnotic disruptions of reading and Stroop performance. This model differentiates between the mechanisms that may underlie reading experiences, the mechanisms that may underlie reading processing and their interaction, and highlights the value of hypnotic models of cognitive processes.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/258058
Date January 2008
CreatorsHung, Lynette Faye, Psychology, Faculty of Science, UNSW
PublisherPublisher:University of New South Wales. Psychology
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Rightshttp://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright, http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright

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