Hypnosis Research: A Methodological Critique of Experiments Generated by Two Alternative Paradigms

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Abstract
Two alternative paradigms in the area of experimental hypnosis are examined. One paradigm revolves around the hypothetical construct hypnotic state or trance. The other paradigm rejects the utility of this construct. The work of two investigators, Orne and Hilgard, is taken as representative of the hypnotic state paradigm. The work of a third investigator, Barber, is taken as representative of the alternative paradigm. Three methodological criteria for the evaluation of experiments deriving from any scientific paradigm are established. These criteria state that (a) antecedent variables must be clearly denoted, (b) antecedent variables must be independently manipulated, and (c) dependent variables must be clearly denoted. Although the work that revolves around the construct hypnotic state or trance sometimes fails to meet one or more of these criteria, work generated by the alternative paradigm consistently meets all three.