Forensic hypnosis Flashcards
What is forensic hypnosis?
The use of hypnotic techniques with witnesses and victims of crime.
Focuses on the potential hypermnesic effects of hypnosis
Hypermnesia: to remember more than one would in usual circumstances
What is the general goal of forensic hypnosis?
To improve recall of traumatic event when memory is either absent or fragmented
What are the general lab findings about hypnosis?
No significant effect over repeated recall shown in research contexts
Filling-in of the memory gaps leads to an increase in false information
Crystallization of memories whether correct or incorrect
Improved confidence in recall whether true or false
Cross-examination is hindered
What are the general naturalistic findings about hypnosis?
There can be a small increase of correct information
Hypnosis may decrease anxiety or stress linked to a criminal event and allow for more details to emerge
What is the issue with using hypnosis in a forensic context?
How does one differentiate between correct or incorrect information?
How does one minimize the risk of false recall?
Strict guidelines for using hypnosis
Witness or victims cannot testify after being hypnotized, unless there is a record of pre-hypnotic testimony
Independent confirmation of new details elicited during hypnosis
Use only when all other investigative techniques have been used
As there is no way to completely eliminate the suggestive effects of hypnosis or contamination effects on recall, when is hypnosis best used?
Best used in cold cases (investigation is stalled) where the investigators are willing to use it as a last measure
What are the general guidelines for hypnosis?
(1) The person conducting the hypnotic interview should be a qualified professional .
(2) The hypnotist must be independent of the party who requires his services.
(3) The hypnotist should be given only the minimum amount of information necessary to conduct the interview.
(4) The entire interview between the hypnotist and the potential witness should be recorded preferably on video tape .
(5) The interview should be conducted with only the hypnotist and the subject present.
(6) Prior to the actual hypnosis of the subject, the hypnotist should conduct a lengthy interview of the subject to determine his medical history including information about the present or past use of drugs.
(7) Prior to hypnosis, the hypnotist should elicit from the subject a detailed description of the facts surrounding the subject-matter of the hypnosis session, as the subject is able to recall them at that point in time.
(8) The hypnotist should pay careful attention to the form and manner of his questions, the choice of his words and the avoidance of body language so that he is not either intentionally or inadvertently providing the subject with information.
