On the Centrality of the Concept of an Altered State to Definitions of Hypnosis.

Compilers of most dictionaries and encyclopaedias seem to have similar views on the fundamental defining characteristic of hypnosis: it is an altered state of consciousness. In contrast, experts in the field of hypnosis continue to have in difficulty in coming up with definitions of hypnosis and relat- ed terminology on which all can agree. In this paper, it is argued that a major problem in reaching agreement amongst experts on these issues is that, in an attempt to accommodate different theo- retical viewpoints, we have lost sight of the etymological origins of terms used when discussing the nature of hypnosis and related phenomena (terms such as hypnosis, hypnotism, hypnotizability, hypnotic induction etc.). As a result, hypnosis and related terms are often defined and applied in disparate ways that do not coherently relate to each other. Some examples illustrative of the general problems are given, and attention is drawn to some possible ways of defining hypnosis and related terminology that acknowledge and maintain the essential features of the original definitions, yet are consistent with different modern explanatory frameworks. The main conclusion drawn is that the concept of an altered state should be central to any definition of hypnosis

Presentations of rings with non-trivial semidualizing modules

Let R be a commutative noetherian local ring. A finitely generated R-module C is semidualizing if it is self-orthogonal and satisfies the condition Hom_R(C,C) \cong R. We prove that a Cohen-Macaulay ring R with dualizing module D admits a semidualizing module C satisfying R\ncong C \ncong D if and only if it is a homomorphic image of a Gorenstein ring in which the defining ideal decomposes in a cohomologically independent way. This expands on a well-known result of Foxby, Reiten and Sharp saying that R admits a dualizing module if and only if R is Cohen--Macaulay and a homomorphic image of a local Gorenstein ring.Comment: 16 pages, uses XY-pic; v.2 reorganized, main theorem revised, examples adde

The current status of hypnosis in Spain

While Spanish academic researchers have actively attempted to disengage hypnosis from its traditional links with altered states and automatism, and to promote it by linking hypnotic phenomena with other everyday psychological processes, in the legal field there seems to have been little activity. Among jurists, opinion is divided regarding the exact influence of hypnosis on conscious will, although some maintain that hypnosis can override will, and most that being in a state of hypnosis at the time of committing a criminal act can be used as a defence, depending on knowledge of the prior personality of the individual and the kind of suggestions given. Consequently, because of its alleged influence on will, hypnosis is forbidden by law in Spain as an investigative procedure. Likewise, the practice of hypnosis has been removed from Spanish public health system services, and it cannot be subsidized by private insurance companies. We conclude that traditional notions of hypnosis may be holding back its practical acceptance in Spain. Copyright © 2000 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosi

The Influence of Delay and Item Difficulty in Criminal Justice Systems on Eyewitness Confidence and Accuracy

There is international concern about the negative effects of delays in Criminal Justice Systems. Problems include the deleterious effects that delay can have on witnesses' memory accuracy and witnesses' ability to calibrate their memories accurately. Little empirical work has been conducted on these issues combined with item difficulty and the relationship between accuracy and confidence. This paper investigates these issues. 21 witnesses were interviewed about an observed crime and required to answer lawyerly questions used in cross-examination relating to target items classified as 'easy', 'moderate' and 'difficult', in terms of memorability. Participants were interviewed again, 6 months later. A 6 month delay significantly reduced memory accuracy for all levels of question difficulty. Within-subjects C-A relationships seemed to be relatively unaffected by delay; i.e. they tended to be positive for easy and moderate items, and negative for difficult items. Between-subjects C-A relationships were also positive for both easy and moderate items, but improved after 6 months; whereas C-A relationships for the difficult items remained negative and statistically insignificant following the 6 month delay. Delay can have a profound negative effect on witness accuracy that is not likely to be compensated for by improvements in C-A calibration

Specialist police interviewer perceptions of the enhanced cognitive interview: usefulness, confidence and witness reliability

Cognitive Interviews (CI) are recognised as best practise for investigative interviews of witnesses across relevant jurisdictions worldwide; though police officers’ perceptions of the usefulness of some ECI components sit awkwardly with empirical findings. This paper examines 33 Enhanced Cognitive Interview (ECI) specialist trained police officers’ views which showed ‘build rapport’ and ‘report everything’ perceived as most useful. Furthermore, the study identified longer time-served officers as more confident in conducting the ECI than shorter service officers. Adult witnesses were perceived as most reliable with the ECI most useful for these witnesses while children <6 least reliable and thus less likely to benefit. The findings are discussed in relation to investigative interview training, investigative practise and research. The need for a simplified protocol for officers who are working in complex operational contexts is recognised