3 ms·

I wonder how much of the documented improvement is placebo effect? Even if it didn't directly improve focus it seems like it would be a great placebo. Nine vol

I wonder how much of the documented improvement is placebo effect? Even if it didn't directly improve focus it seems like it would be a great placebo. Nine volt batteries are probably commonly perceived as being powerful. They are used in stun guns, for example. You also experience unusual side effects after it's applied, further removing any doubt that something unique is happening to you.

SoftwareMaven 15y ago
They talk about the value of just focusing on something in the article. I know I'd be focusing on the battery taped to my head...
gwern 15y ago
> I wonder how much of the documented improvement is placebo effect? I'm sure they controlled for that, as it is stupendously obvious and common to control for, and easy to do - just don't turn on the battery, or measure the effects of the current direction reversed (damages performance according to the other article).