Aim: 

Studies on sensory/imagery modality preference in subjects with high (Highs) and low (Lows) hypnotizability showed differences between the two groups concerning mainly the tactile/proprioceptive modality (Carli et al., 2007, 2008). Aim of the present experiment was to study possible hypnotizability related differences in the visual identification of haptically explored objects.

Methods: 

BlindfoldedHighs (n=16) and Lows (n=16) haptically explored one of 12 objects for either 3 or 6 secs. Three trials for each exploration time were performed. For each trial, after haptic exploration, participants were asked to look at all the objects for 3 or 6 secs and to identify the explored object. Errors and the time required for the object identification were analyzed.

Results: 

Highs showed a higher percentage of objects' identifications for both exploration time intervals and a trend to be faster than Lows in the 6 secs task. Hypnotizability related learning effects across trials were observed. In both groups the tasks were performed differentially by males and females.

Conclusions: 

In Highs haptic exploration is more effective than in Lows, which indicates an easier transfer of the haptically obtained information to visual perception. Neuroimaging studies will clarify whether a greater crosstalk among cortical areas, as occurs in synesthaesers and in Highs receiving post hypnotic suggestions, and/or different imagery processes account for the observed differences.