Hypnosis and Memory

Kroger and Douce (1979) report a number of intriguing case studies in which this technique was used. In one case, 26 school children and a bus driver were abducted at gun point and brought to a rock quarry where they were sealed in an underground tomb. The driver and two older boys managed to escape and contact the police. The driver's memory of what happened was sketchy. While captive, he had tried to see the license plate number, but didn't want to look too long for fear of getting caught. Under hypnosis, it was suggested to him that he was sitting in his favorite chair watching the event unfold on a documentary. He was able to remember all but one of the license plate numbers and, because of his help, the kidnappers were tracked by the F.B.I. and arrested.