Why Do Most Stage Hypnotists Get People to Do Strange Things?

Most stage hypnotists get people to do strange things because

a. the "hypnotized" volunteers don't want to "spoil the act" while on stage.

b. the volunteers can act silly without fear or embarrassment since they are "hypnotized."

c. the audience response tends to bring out the "ham" in the volunteers.

d. all of these factors are involved.

Final answer:

Stage hypnotists influence people to perform strange actions due to a blend of not wanting to disrupt the act, reduced fear of embarrassment, and audience engagement, all underpinned by the social-cognitive and dissociation theories of hypnosis.

Explanation:

Most stage hypnotists get people to do strange things for a combination of reasons: a) the "hypnotized" volunteers may not want to spoil the act while on stage; b) the volunteers can act out without fear of embarrassment as they are "hypnotized"; and c) the response of the audience may encourage the volunteers to embrace their role with enthusiasm.

This can be explained by the social-cognitive theory of hypnosis, which sees people in hypnotic states as fulfilling the social role expected of them, as well as the dissociation view, which represents hypnosis as a distinct state of consciousness.

During a stage show, participants are usually guided to focus intently, made to feel comfortable, directed to trust the hypnotist, and encouraged to use their imagination—all steps that predispose them to a heightened state of suggestibility. This, combined with the hypnotist's expertise and the audience's engagement, leads to a compelling performance where volunteers are more inclined to partake in the experience due to these psychological and social dynamics.