Which theory suggests that individuals can imitate changes in behavior associated with hypnotic trance?

Role theory is the correct choice because it posits that individuals perform behaviors in accordance with the expectations of the roles they adopt. In the context of hypnosis, when a person enters a hypnotic trance, they often adopt a specific role characterized by suggestibility and responsiveness to the hypnotist's guidance. This allows them to imitate and engage in behaviors that are associated with being hypnotized, such as experiencing altered sensations or perceptions, or even recalling forgotten memories.

In role theory, the emphasis is on social contexts and how individuals integrate into different roles through social cues and expectations. When someone is hypnotized, they may take on the role of a "subject" who is expected to comply with the suggestions given by the hypnotist, leading to changes in behavior that align with that role.

This understanding is crucial in the study of hypnosis because it highlights the interplay between social and psychological factors in shaping behavior, making it more than just a physiological response.