ABSTRACTThe purpose was to determine whether instructional sets would influence the pattern of autonomic response.In the first study sound and pain were compared in three groups instructed as to expected effects of the sound: (a) “neutral,” (b) analgesic, (c) hyperalgesic. Palmar sweating, heart rate, and finger pulse were recorded. In the second study one group was tested three times with instructions as to expected effects on stomach of 3 “drugs,” (a) “relaxant,” (b) “placebo,” (c) “stimulant.” All 3 drugs were the same capsule containing the magnet for recording stomach motility.It was found that the instruction produced the expected autonomic response pattern in the majority of subjects.Stomach‐motility, GSR, HR, FPV, Expectation, Instructi