The Comparative Effectiveness of Spoken and Tape-Recorded Suggestions of Body Sway

Abstract

The relative effectiveness of tape-recorded versus spoken suggestions of body sway was measured. Both types of suggestion produced increased body sway when compared to prior basal levels. When spoken suggestions followed recorded suggestions, they were more effective. No difference was found, however, in the reverse order of presentation. The expectation by Ss of a greater effectiveness of live presentation may have produced this result. The use of recorded suggestions in experimental work and even in clinical application is deemed justified by these results.