 |
 |
Bruce & Phil, The classic example of the placebo effect was a study done by the Western Electric Division of AT&T back before Ma Bell got broken up. At the Hawthhorn Plant near Chicago, the company decided to test for the changes in productivity of workers resulting from a change in light intensity in the plant. The employees were told that there was an experiment. One group was given new lighting just like the old system. The other group had a different lights AND different light intensity. The productivity of both groups increased substantially. The researchers came to the conclusion that both groups were aware that they were being tested by the company "experts" and college professors and the workerdfelt that if they were of sufficient value to the company to have tests done on their productivity, they should try to cooperate with the test people and produce. There were virtually no differences between the two groups. Both groups had substantially increased productivity...Why? .. because they were being tested and both groups thought they had the new light intensity. The placebo effect is called "The Hawthorn Effect" in systems management environments. Will Johnston ---------- Bruce G. Rogers wrote:and Phil Tomkins replied: In fact, I am getting curious about the placebo effect itself. In mainstream research methodology it seems that the placebo effect is treated as a big nuisance that has to be cancelled out. Researchers do double-blind studies to identify the component of a result that is NOT due to the placebo effect. If the placebo effect is so powerful and omnipresent, just what are its capabilities and limitations anyway, and how can we harness it and use it to our advantage?? > Those patients who participated did so because of their great > concern for others. Their unselfishness, in their desire to > contribute to the benifit of others whom they may never see, is to > be commended as true love for their fellow human beings. Many of > us may someday benefit from their charitable service. Phil Tompkins Hoboken NJ age 671/dx 1990