No abstract

The generation of random number sequences as a measure of attention deployment has been limited due to the lack of a satisfactory index of pseudorandomness for relatively short response sequences (Wagenaar, 1972). A new index of subjective randomization (RNG) is presented that provides a sensitive measure of departures from randomness (reflecting the disproportion with which any number follows any other number) in a series as short as 100 responses, typically verbalized at a rate of lIsec. The RNG index of sequential response bias is a minor modification of Tulving's (1962) subjective organization index that measures clustering in the repeated free recall of randomly presented word lists. Calculation of the practice-free RNG index and comparisons with another common measure are illustrated with individual data and with data obtained from random number tables. The use of RNG as a probe or simultaneous task to measure the deployment of attention or attentive effort is discussed.

The effects of hypnotically induced analgesia and placebo response to "a powerful analgesic drug" were investigated. Highly motivated Ss, who were either very responsive or essentially insusceptible to hypnosis, performed a task which induced ischemic muscle pain. Special procedures and a modified double-blind condition were adopted to establish plausible expectations in both groups that the two treatments effectively reduce pain intensity. Changes in pain threshold and tolerance following hypnotic and placebo analgesia (compared to an initial baselevel performance), were evaluated and were related to changes in the Ss' subjective ratings of pain intensity. The results support the hypothesis that there are two components involved in hypnotic analgesia: One component can be accounted for by the nonspecific or placebo effects of using hypnosis as a method of treatment; the other may be conceptualized as a distortion of perception specifically induced during deep hypnosis../XLTHOUGH dramatic demonstrations of the use of hypnotically induced anesthesia during major surgery have been reported, 9 ' 2Si 24 controlled experimental