Science project
How Powerful is the Placebo Effect?
For many years researchers have observed that many patients will experience an improvement in health while taking a placebo, or fake drug, if they believe they are receiving an active medicine. This phenomenon, called the placebo effect, shows the power the mind can have over the body. In this experiment you will look for the placebo effect, and evaluate whether certain groups of people are more likely to experience this curiosity.
Problem:
Test the placebo effect in different groups of people.
Materials:
- Bowl that is big enough to fully submerge a hand
- Ice water
- A stop watch
- An object to be used as your “placebo” Example: Use a bracelet with glass beads. Tell participants that the beads are composed of a mineral that has been shown to help with pain relief.
Procedure:
- Fill a bowl with ice water.
- Start your stopwatch when the test subject puts his or her hand in the bowl of ice water.
- Record how long the subject is able to keep his or her hand in the bowl of ice water.
- Wait 5-10 minutes.
- Ask the participant to wear the item (placebo) that you chose. Tell him or her that this item has been shown to help with pain relief. Be as convincing as possible.
- Repeat the ice water test.
- Repeat all of the steps for many different subjects. Include men and women in several different age groups.
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Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
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