On the Lack of Relationship between Hypnotizability and Response to Verbal Conditioning

A positive correlation was found between classical conditioning and hypnotizability by Das (1958) and between operant verbal conditioning and an indirect measure of hypnotizability by Weiss, et al. (1960). The present study utilized a direct measure of hypnotizability and related it to operant verbal conditioning. The obtained correlation was essentially zero, a finding which failed to confirm the earlier results. It was speculated that by virtue of the procedures employed, hypnosis might well be more closely related to classical than to operant conditioning.

Primary waking suggestibility and classical conditioning of word meaning

Primary waking suggestibility has been related to both instrumental and classical conditioning. The nature of language mediational processes in suggestibility is most closely connected with classical conditioning mechanisms. However, methodological and empirical difficulties render ambiguous the previous research on classical conditioning interpretations. The present study extended the procedures for language (higher-order classical) conditioning of evaluative word meaning to investigate the nature and function of suggestibility. The results were that the classical conditioning of word meaning was not predicted by suggestibility. These and other data indicate that suggestibility is not mediated by classically conditioned verbal processes but may be based on instrumental conditioning functions.

Effectiveness of a Social Reinforcement in Isolation and in Conjunction with a Conflicting Task Reinforcement

An attempt was made to extend the generality of an earlier finding that a model's emotional reactions can function as effective “social” reinforcers. The effects of two partial social reinforcement schedules on the level of imitation were examined both in isolation and in conjunction with a task reinforcement. The two social reinforcement schedules, a constant probability of a negative reinforcement for imitation and an increasing probability of a negative reinforcement for imitation were incongruent with the task reinforcement schedule in which the probability of a positive reinforcement for imitation was .8. Ss predicted whether a red or green light would be illuminated after being informed of the prediction allegedly made by a partner. For half the Ss the event to be predicted was actually seen, along with the presentation of a GSR reading purportedly reflecting the emotional state of the partner, immediately after each prediction. Only the GSR readings were presented at that time for the remaining Ss, the events to be predicted supposedly occurring on a machine in another room. As predicted, a significantly higher level of imitation was obtained under a .8 task reinforcement for imitation than in the absence of task reinforcement. The expected generalization failed to occur, however. Since many of the previous situational conditions had been simultaneously altered for the present study, it was impossible to determine which of the changes was critical. Examination of relevant literature concerning the effects of these variables failed to clarify the situation. Another inexplicable finding was the incongruity between Ss' behavior while performing the experimental task and their subsequent behavior in completing questionnaires. It was suggested that individual differences in social responsiveness, in part determined by personality variables, might account for the difficulties in controlling imitation and opposition with social reinforcers.

Reinforcement Ratio, Spontaneous Recovery, and Suggestibility as a Control in Verbal Conditioning

A postural-sway suggestibility measurement was used as a control to reduce within-group variability, producing relatively smooth conditioning functions with very small Ns. Five different reinforcement ratios were used and in each case the verbal conditioning functions were consistent with general operant research. Spontaneous recovery was observed when extinction trials were separated by a 48-hr. delay. The most efficient reinforcement ratio was the combination of 100 by 50%, which produced rapid acquisition and showed relatively slow extinction. It is suggested that workers with either clinical or research interests should consider both suggestibility and reinforcement ratio as important variables.