Abstract
In this study, the effect of two factors ; the quantity of instructions (how much information should be included) and the quality of instructions (what kind of information should be included) for evoking phobic responses through imagery in desensitization were examined. In the experiment, subjects were asked to imagine phobic scenes, after they were given the two types of instructions described by Lang (1977), added sensational information (cue) categorized 1) as Stimulus-Proposi tions, 2) as Response-Propositions. Physiological responses (HR, ST, SCR) and the ratings of ima gery (Easiness, Detail, Intensity, Fear) were used as dependent variables. The results showed that, when the instructions included sensational information categorized as Response-Propositions, subjects reported more vivid imagery and showed more physiological changes while imaging. However, no significant effects of these variables on the quantity of information were found. Based on these resulcs, it is suggested that careful consideration should be given to the factor of quality, more than to the quantity of information included in instructions that are designed for evoking phobic responses with imagery.
