Hypnotic amnesia and learning: a dissociation interpretation.

The effect of hypnotically induced amnesia on positive transfer learning was examined within the conceptual framework of dissociation theory. An Experimental group learned two paired-associates word lists that contained highly similar (between the two lists) stimulus words. After learning the first list, subjects were given suggestions for amnesia for that list. Control group 1 learned the same two lists without amnesia suggestions. Control group 2, with amnesia suggestions following the first list, learned two lists that contained dissimilar stimulus words. All subjects remained hypnotized throughout the session. Positive transfer between the two lists was demonstrated for the Experimental group and for Control group 1, but not for Control group 2. The results are viewed as consistent with predictions from dissociation theory.