Romanian norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

A Romanian-language version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 340 subjects (218 females and 122 males) recruited from 1998 to 1999 in Romania. Data were collected from three samples of participants to provide greater heterogeneity within the sample. The results from the Romanian version of the HGSHS:A were compared to those from Australian, Canadian, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Spanish, and original U.S. samples. The Romanian normative data are consistent with earlier normative studies in score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability. The mean score of the Romanian sample did not differ from those in the German and Italian samples but did significantly differ from the remaining samples. The total score reliability (.71) and item reliability of the Romanian sample was also comparable with published reference samples. No differences between women and men were found.     

Romanian Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

A Romanian-language version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 340 subjects (218 females and 122 males) recruited from 1998 to 1999 in Romania. Data were collected from three samples of participants to provide greater heterogeneity within the sample. The results from the Romanian version of the HGSHS:A were compared to those from Australian, Canadian, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Spanish, and original U.S. samples. The Romanian normative data are consistent with earlier normative studies in score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability. The mean score of the Romanian sample did not differ from those in the German and Italian samples but did significantly differ from the remaining samples. The total score reliability (.71) and item reliability of the Romanian sample was also comparable with published reference samples. No differences between women and men were found.     

Italian norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A

Norms for an Italian translation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) by Shor and Orne (1962) are presented. Subjects recruited from 1986 to 1989 were pooled, resulting in a sample of 376 participants (297 women and 79 men). The normative data were generally congruent with earlier normative studies in score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability. Women had significantly higher hypnotizability scores and item pass rates than men. The reliability scores of the Italian adaptation of the HGSHS:A were the same as a previously reported Danish sample and higher than a German sample, but lower than those of the Australian, Canadian, and original American samples. These results suggest that the Italian version of the HGSHS:A is an efficient tool for initial hypnotizability screening in an Italian context.     

Italian norms for the harvard group scale of hypnotic susceptibility,form a

Norms for an Italian translation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) by Shor and Orne (1962) are presented. Subjects recruited from 1986 to 1989 were pooled, resulting in a sample of 376 participants (297 women and 79 men). The normative data were generally congruent with earlier normative studies in score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability. Women had significantly higher hypnotizability scores and item pass rates than men. The reliability scores of the Italian adaptation of the HGSHS:A were the same as a previously reported Danish sample and higher than a German sample, but lower than those of the Australian, Canadian, and original American samples. These results suggest that the Italian version of the HGSHS:A is an efficient tool for initial hypnotizability screening in an Italian context.     

Spanish norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A

The results of administering the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) to a Spanish sample are on the whole consistent with those results obtained in other normative studies, especially Bongartz's work with a German sample, and they confirm HGSHS:A's usefulness in non-Anglophone countries. The Spanish HGSHS:A's reliability and validity remain within the limits reported for other locales, but there are certain discrepancies with respect to the difficulty of two HGSHS:A items.     

A Tribute to John G. Watkins,PhD: “Leave a trail of wisdom …”

The results of administering the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) to a Spanish sample are on the whole consistent with those results obtained in other normative studies, especially Bongartz's work with a German sample, and they confirm HGSHS:A's usefulness in non-Anglophone countries. The Spanish HGSHS:A's reliability and validity remain within the limits reported for other locales, but there are certain discrepancies with respect to the difficulty of two HGSHS:A items.     

Swedish Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

This article examines the norms for a Swedish adaptation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) (Shor & Orne, 1962). In total, 291 subjects (199 females and 92 males) participated in the study. Comparisons are made between the Swedish sample and reference samples,which include English versions of the HGSHS:A from the United States and Australia, as well as 5 translated versions from Italy, Finland, Denmark, Spain, and Germany. In the Swedish sample, females scored significantly higher than males. Generally, however, the normative data from the Swedish sample are congruent with the reference samples and therefore can be used as a tool for initial screening of hypnotic susceptibility in Sweden.     

Swedish norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A

This article examines the norms for a Swedish adaptation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) (Shor & Orne, 1962). In total, 291 subjects (199 females and 92 males) participated in the study. Comparisons are made between the Swedish sample and reference samples, which include English versions of the HGSHS:A from the United States and Australia, as well as 5 translated versions from Italy, Finland, Denmark, Spain, and Germany. In the Swedish sample, females scored significantly higher than males. Generally, however, the normative data from the Swedish sample are congruent with the reference samples and therefore can be used as a tool for initial screening of hypnotic susceptibility in Sweden.     

Hypnotic depth and hypnotic susceptibility: A replicated finding

A sample of 398 Ss was tested in groups of from 8 to 20 people on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962). Retrospective depth reports for each of the 12 HGSHS:A items were taken in order to extend Tart's findings (1970, 1972) on susceptibility and depth. The Ss were tested over 2 successive years in samples of N = 220 and N = 178. Since results were almost identical for each year (thus constituting a replication), the data were pooled for this report.

A remarkable consistency in patterns of subjective depth across the 12 items of HGSHS:A was found, particularly noticeable in Items 7, 8, 9, and 10 for 4 susceptibility groups (high, high-medium, low-medium and low-susceptible Ss) which appeared to reflect differential item difficulties. In addition, all correlations between reported depth and HGSHS:A total scores were high and statistically significant. While the findings are in general accord with those of Tart (1970, 1972), further research is required in order to determine the underlying basis of depth reports, and the degree to which experimental reports of susceptibility and clinical reports of depth reflect similar experiential aspects of hypnosis.     

Finding the hypnotic virtuoso--another look: a brief communication.

Student volunteers who scored 9 (N = 20), 10 (N = 19), 11 (N = 26), and 12 (N = 15) on a live-administered Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) were retested with the individually administered Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and Hilgard (1962). There appeared to be a break in HGSHS:A's predictive ability at 11 suggestions passed. Whereas a majority of Ss who passed at least 11 HGSHS:A suggestions retested in SHSS:C "virtuoso" range (i.e., passed at least 11 suggestions), a relatively small percentage of Ss who passed fewer than 11 HGSHS:A suggestions retested as SHSS:C virtuosos. These results are generally consistent with previous research (Register & Kihlstrom, 1986) using a standard taped-recorded HGSHS:A induction.     

TAIWANESE NORMS FOR THE HARVARD GROUP SCALE OF HYPNOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY,FORM A

Hypnotic susceptibility is a fundamental individual characteristic to consider in studies examining hypnosis. Although there is no existing normative data of group hypnotic susceptibility tests for the Mandarin-speaking Chinese population, the current study administered the Mandarin Chinese translation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) to 242 subjects (137 females and 105 males). The results indicate that the normative properties—including the score distribution, item pass rates, and reliability—are comparable to 15 reference samples. In general, the Mandarin Chinese version of the HGSHS:A can be used as a viable and reliable instrument for prescreening subjects’ hypnotizability in the Mandarin Chinese-speaking population in Taiwan.     

In Memoriam: Milton V. Kline 1923-2004

3 subgroups of 20 Ss with high, medium, or low scores on a slightly modified, tape-recorded version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) were later administered the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and Hilgard (1962). HGSHSrA and SHSSrC correlated .59 which is lower than would be predicted by scale reliabilities. This, together with other data based on item characteristics, indicates that the 2 scales are not equivalent, but in part measure different aspects of hypnotic performance. Scores on HGSHSrA for low Ss are predictive of SHSS:C scores, but the stability of performance between HGSHS:A and SHSS:C is not as marked for medium and high Ss on HGSHS:A. This is partly a result of the failure of passive motor (primary) suggestibility to discriminate between levels of susceptibility, although challenge items do. The 2 clusters of items correlate .23 and .43 in HGSHS:A and SHSS:C respectively. The passive suggestibility items detract from the validity of the 2 scales.     

Subjective scoring for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A

A scale is presented which assesses subjective experiences associated with the test suggestions contained in the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962). This scale, along with the standard HGSHS:A self-scoring test booklet, was administered to 479 students at the University of Connecticut and 618 students at North Dakota State University, and normative data from these samples are reported. Correlational analyses indicated that the scale was both reliable and valid as a measure of hypnotic responsiveness. It is suggested that it may be useful to supplement behavioral scoring of hypnotizability with subjective scoring.     

Hypnotizability and Absorption in a Danish Sample: Testing the Influence of Context

This study tests the validity of a Danish translation of the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS) by investigating the correlation between scores on the TAS and a previously validated Danish translation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS: A) in a sample of 168 subjects. Mean TAS and HGSHS:A scores were comparable to those found in U.S. samples. The correlation between absorption and hypnotizability was calculated for scores obtained in the same session (n = 84) and for scores obtained independently in 2 sessions taking place 2 to 12 months apart (n = 84). The results showed a significant relationship between absorption and hypnotizability when absorption was assessed in the hypnotic context. A significant association was also found when absorption and hypnotizability were assessed independently. The findings support the construct validity of the Danish translation of the TAS and reaffirm results of previous studies suggesting that absorption is an important predictor of hypnotizability.     

Hypnotizability and absorption in a Danish sample: testing the influence of context

This study tests the validity of a Danish translation of the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS) by investigating the correlation between scores on the TAS and a previously validated Danish translation of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A) in a sample of 168 subjects. Mean TAS and HGSHS:A scores were comparable to those found in U.S. samples. The correlation between absorption and hypnotizability was calculated for scores obtained in the same session (n = 84) and for scores obtained independently in 2 sessions taking place 2 to 12 months apart (n = 84). The results showed a significant relationship between absorption and hypnotizability when absorption was assessed in the hypnotic context. A significant association was also found when absorption and hypnotizability were assessed independently. The findings support the construct validity of the Danish translation of the TAS and reaffirm results of previous studies suggesting that absorption is an important predictor of hypnotizability.     

Four decades of group hypnosis scales: what does item-response theory tell us about what we've been measuring?

To overcome problems with previous psychometric approaches to hypnosis scales, the authors applied full-information factor analysis, based on multidimensional item-response theory (IRT), to a 39-year sample of 11,517 records of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A). They also performed a comparable analysis on the standardization sample of the Waterloo-Stanford Group C Scale (WSGC). The HGSHS:A emerges as two-factored, whereas the WSGC more closely approaches unidimensionality. The HGSHS:A factor structure and means show very little change over 4 decades. However, IRT-based item analysis on the HGSHS:A indicates that problems such as "pseudoguessing" on 2 items limit the quality of the item set. The authors propose alternative substantive interpretations of the traits that may underlie the two-factor structure.     

Book review

To overcome problems with previous psychometric approaches to hypnosis scales, the authors applied full-information factor analysis, based on multidimensional item-response theory (IRT), to a 39-year sample of 11,517 records of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A). They also performed a comparable analysis on the standardization sample of the Waterloo-Stanford Group C Scale (WSGC). The HGSHS:A emerges as two-factored, whereas the WSGC more closely approaches unidimensionality. The HGSHS:A factor structure and means show very little change over 4 decades. However, IRT-based item analysis on the HGSHS:A indicates that problems such as “pseudoguessing” on 2 items limit the quality of the item set. The authors propose alternative substantive interpretations of the traits that may underlie the two-factor structure.     

Relation of Predicted to Actual Hypnotic Responsiveness,with Special Reference to Posthypnotic Amnesia

Prior to receiving the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor & E. Orne (1962), 423 naive volunteer Ss were asked to predict their behavioral response to each of the 12 constituent HCSHS: A suggestions. Another 418 Ss made no prior predictions. The relationships between predicted and actual hypnotic responsiveness were significant for HGSHS:A as a whole (r = .34) and for many of the individual items (though all r < .22). Ss who received prior information concerning the contents of HGSHS:A scored significantly lower than those Ss who were uninformed. This difference was apparent for 9 of the 12 individual HGSHS:A items (all p < .Ol), although it was most apparent for the posthypnotic amnesia suggestion. Although Ss' expectations are significant determinants of hypnotic responsiveness, there is also considerable surprise and disappointment on their part. Implications of the results for the distinction between aptitude and attitude contributions to hypnotic responsiveness, and between suggested amnesia and ordinary forgetting, are discussed.     

Portuguese Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

The Portuguese version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 313 Portuguese college students. Score distribution, item pass rates, item analysis, and reliability of the HGSHS:A are presented and compared to earlier published reference samples. No differences were found between males and females. Reliability of the HGSHS:A Portuguese version was lower than that reported by most of the studies but within the range of the non-English versions. In general, Portuguese data are congruent with the reference samples and the Portuguese translation of the HGSHS:A. It appears to be a viable instrument for primary screening of hypnotic suggestibility in a Portuguese context.     

Involuntariness of Response on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility

Following a tape-recorded administration of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962), some 272 Ss recorded their objective responses in the standard scoring booklet and then rated the voluntariness-involuntari-ness of their responses to each HGSHS:A item. The ratings indicated that in about 75% of the instances where HCSHS:A items were objectively passed, Ss experienced their response as completely or mostly involuntary, and this percentage did not differ between ideomotor items and the more difficult challenge items. For a subset of 35 Ss tested on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitz-enhoffer and Hilgard (1962), SHSS:C score was predicted reliably by HGSHS:A objective score. Thus, HGSHS:A is an adequate predictor of hypnotic susceptibility according to a criterion measure (SHSS:C), in spite of the fact that individual HGSHS:A items are not perfect measures of the classical suggestion effect according to the criterion of involuntar-iness. Ss with higher HCSHS:A scores had significantly higher mean involuntariness ratings for passed items than did lower scoring Ss.