Advances in hypnosis research: Methods, designs and contributions of intrinsic and instrumental hypnosis

Hypnosis researchers, in their continuing struggle for scientific recognition, have always been concerned about methodological techniques to convince people about the genuineness of hypnotic effects; this has been considered as a fundamental problem as hypnosis is essentially a private experience. However, this article states, the ongoing need for hypnosis researchers to be meticulous about methodology has contributed to the development of rigorous hypnotic paradigms that are consistent with contemporary scientific methods and that have both influenced and been influenced by the broader discipline of psychology. This chapter focuses on a range of experimental techniques as opposed to clinical methods. It presents some core concepts associated with hypnosis research and describes foundational research that addresses the evolving concepts. Apart from reviewing areas of current research that illustrate the core concepts in research, the article also discusses new techniques and identifies major challenges for future research in the field.