Have the hypnotic susceptibility scales outlived their usefulness?

Abstract

Hypnosis experiments often involve preselecting high- and low-scoring participants on the basis of one or more hypnotic suggestibility scales, and then studying the differences between these two groups. A number of possible critiques of this method are entertained in this article. For example, sociocognitive theorists would seem better advised to directly manipulate the variable or variables they believe underlie the differences in hypnotic susceptibility, and neodissoaative theorists would seem well advised to question whether the scales muddle important distinctions in underlying mechanisms. In addition, parallels are drawn with developments in other areas of research, such as intelligence.