AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The key difference between the two explanations of hypnosis is this: Social influence theory says that hypnosis is a result of external social variables; divided consciousness theory says that hypnosis is the result of an exaggerated division of internal consciousness.

Detailed explanation-2: -State theories argue that processes such as ‘repression’ or ‘dissociation’ operate when subjects are given a suggestion, whereas non-state theories view subjects as active “doers” and observe the suggested effect as an enactment rather than a happening (Spanos et al, 1980).

Detailed explanation-3: -One of the first theories of hypnosis was proposed by Ernest Hilgard in the 1950s. His theory has become known as the Divided Consciousness Theory of hypnosis. It states that hypnosis produces a split in consciousness such that one aspect of consciousness is unaware of what other parts of consciousness are doing.

Detailed explanation-4: -(5) Some psychologists believe that hypnosis is caused by social influence, and that “hypnotized” subjects are just playing a role because of all the attention they are getting and their idea of what a hypnotized person should act like.

Detailed explanation-5: -(B) Role theory explains that hypnosis works because people play the “role” of a hypnotized person. Highly suggestible people are more easily hypnotized and have richer fantasy lives. Dissociation theory explains that hypnosis works by actually dividing our consciousness.