Can hypnosis be feigned?
Although the behavior observed in hypnosis can be dramatic and compelling at times, it can be simulated by individuals who have little of the ability to be hypnotized. Low hypnotizables are chosen for the task of simulation because there is no likelihood of them becoming hypnotized inadvertently. They are instructed that intelligent people can fake hypnosis, and are told, truthfully, that the person performing the hypnosis is blind as to who is, and is not, hypnotized. In addition, they are told that the hypnotist will terminate the induction if s/he suspects simulation. Importantly, simulators are not given any training on how to enact this role. If they ask, as many do, they are told simply that they are to try to pick up any available implicit cues in order to determine what the demand characteristics (Orne, 1959) of the situation are. That is, they are asked to figure out what the hypnotist wants, and then to respond accordingly. Some investigators in the field believe that hypnosi
