The comparison of three suggestion techniques for increasing reading efficiency utilizing a counterbaunced research paradigm

Abstract

This paper reports an experiment in which both “Barbertype” and alert-trance pmedurea (followed by specific suggestions) significantly increased readbg speed while maintaining comprehension when compared to a control group; a traditond hypnotic procedure followed by the specific mggeationa failed to obtain these resdts. 32 volunteer 8s were selected from a college undergraduste mental health class and assigned randomly to the 4 experimental groups in terms of a Counterbalanced design. 2 of the experimental groups were administered trance inductions (tnditioml and alert) followed by Specific suggestions, a third simply the suggestions, whiIe the fourth served as control. Reading suggestions were to eliminate specific problems, increase speed, and increase or maintain comprehension. Implications for both previous and further research are discussed.