Placebo effect

[Doctor X]

Hi guys,

Busy arguing with a guy over this who insists there is no scientific proof of the placebo effect. We are discussing audio and how various cables sound different. Blind testing was mentioned as well as the unreliabiity of human perception. But the guy insists there is no scientific proof.

 

Is there? He basically wants me to prove that people can imagine things that aren't there (brain probes etc). What angles can I use to attack this argument?

Edited April 23, 2013 by Doctor X

[John Cuthber]

Weird.

The placebo effect is very well documented and supported.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo

 

I have seen it demonstrated on TV shows.

[Ringer]

If you want to show him people imagining things that aren't there here's something to start with:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_limb

[Phi for All]

I'm not sure if this qualifies for "imagining" things that aren't there, but the

shows people can hear things aren't there.