The disappearing hypnotist: The use of simulating subjects to evaluate how subjects perceive experimental procedures

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Abstract
This study examines the effects of a temporary power failure while S was hypnotized during a tape-recorded session. It was necessary that the power failure be perceived by S as an accident and not as an experimental deception. In a previous study (Orne & Evans, 1966), Ss simulating hypnosis with a “blind” E continued faking throughout the “power failure,” apparently suspecting they were being observed. Therefore, no conclusions could be drawn about the behavior of the hypnotized Ss. After the procedure was modified, simulating Ss ceased faking as soon as the hypnotist left the room, thereby demonstrating that they believed that a power failure had actually occurred and that they were not being watched. Hypnotized Ss spontaneously, although slowly and with subjective difficulty, terminated hypnosis by themselves. The spontaneous behavior of the hypnotized Ss in the absence of a hypnotist seems inconsistent with predictions based on motivational or role-taking theories of hypnosis.

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