ABSTRACT
Popular knowledge of hypnosis derives from its clinical applications, such as analgesia, hypnotherapy, and various forms of personal improvement. The least known use of hypnosis is as a research tool, as a method for the experimental investigation of content areas other than hypnosis itself. The researcher seeks to exploit the trance state to induce in an experimental subject a replica of a naturally occurring state or phenomenon, such as an emotion or a dream, thus enabling study of that state or phenomenon. Claims for administrative and technical advantages of hypnosis over other research techniques are based on allegedly unique properties of the trance state. Since the publication of Orne's classic study, investigators into the nature of hypnosis have been aware of the necessity for including a simulator control. The most frequent experimental use of hypnosis is in the artificial induction of naturally occurring conditions, primarily emotions and psychopathological symptoms.
