Modification of Baseline by Differential Task Presentation as Either Hypnosis or “Learned” Relaxation

The effects on muscle tension of telling a person that he would be involved in an experiment on either hypnotic or “learned” relaxation were studied. Significant differences between the two task-definition groups suggest that subjects may take on a passive and physically relaxed state in connection with being told they would be involved in a hypnotic experiment. Conversely, if subjects are told they will be involved in a learning exercise, they may be somewhat mobilized and more alert with a concomitant increase in muscle tension. If either of these differential responses occur, then the baseline needs to be taken prior to any introduction.