The role-playing theory of hypnosis offered by Barber and Spanos suggests that the hypnotized subject
A) actually fakes the hypnotic state.
B) enters into a trance and acts out suggestions.
C) knows that he or she is only pretending.
D) is in a normal state but acts out the role of a hypnotized person.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Barber and Spanos, the role-playing theory of hypnosis suggests that the hypnotized subject is in a normal state but acts out the role of a hypnotized person. In other words, the subject is not actually in a trance or altered state of consciousness, but is merely playing along with the hypnotic suggestions in order to comply with the social expectations of the situation.

The Role-Playing Theory of Hypnosis Offered by Barber and Spanos