Discuss the two theories of hypnosis, including Hilgard's demonstration involving the painful use of ice water

What will be an ideal response?

Answer will include that one theory of hypnosis is that it is an altered state of consciousness, characterized by narrowed attention and an increased openness to suggestion. The best-known state theory of hypnosis was proposed by Ernest Hilgard. He argued that hypnosis causes a dissociative state, or "split" in awareness. To illustrate, he asked hypnotized subjects to plunge one hand into a painful bath of ice water. Subjects told to feel no pain said they felt none. The same subjects were then asked if there was any part of their mind that did feel pain. With their free hand, many wrote, "It hurts," or "Stop it, you're hurting me," while they continued to act pain free. Thus, one part of the hypnotized person says there is no pain and acts as if the other part, which Hilgard calls the hidden observer, is aware of the pain but remains in the background. The hidden observer is a detached part of the hypnotized person's awareness that silently observes events. In contrast, nonstate theorists argue that hypnosis is not a distinct state at all. Instead it is merely a blend of conformity, relaxation, imagination, obedience, and role-playing. For example, many theorists believe that all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis (autosuggestion). From this perspective, a hypnotist merely helps another person to follow a series of suggestions. These suggestions, in turn, alter sensations, perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.