Some nondeprivation variables which influence the "effects" of experimental sensory deprivation.

Abstract

Forty-eight university students similar to those used in experiments on sensory deprivation (SD) were surveyed to determine their knowledge about sensory deprivation, their acknowledged reasons for volunteering to be in sensory deprivation experiments, and their previous history of unusual appearing (SD-like) experiences. The responses indicated considerable knowledge of sensory deprivation, very "active" reasons for volunteering, and a variety of previous unusual appearing experiences. The results are in accord with the hypothesis that some reported effects of sensory deprivation, particularly self-reported, unusual appearing, subjective experiences, may be strongly influenced by extradeprivation variables which are part of the total experimental situation.