A signal detection analysis of hypnotically induced narrowing of the peripheral visual field.

Narrowing of the peripheral visual field ("tunnel vision") was suggested to 4 hypnotized Ss and to 4 Ss simulating hypnosis. Changes in light thresholds in the "blind" portion of the periphery were observed and analyzed using a signal detection approach and were attributed to changes in sensitivity rather than to criterion shifts. Ss simulating hypnosis produced results that were statistically indistinguishable from those of hypnotized Ss. Results are discussed in terms of S attention, and theoretical and practical implications of the results for research in hypnosis and hysteria, for the appropriateness of signal detection theory, and for visual field testing in general are pointed out. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)