In:
European Psychologist, Hogrefe Publishing Group, Vol. 21, No. 2 ( 2016-04), p. 122-130
Abstract:
Abstract. The placebo effect involves a complex network of psychological variables that are often disregarded by studies enquiring into this effect. It is hence little surprising that these psychological variables confound study outcomes and that experiments investigating the placebo effect often yield radically different results. The current article identifies three categories of psychological and methodological factors that are not systematically considered in placebo research: psychological confounds (Hawthorne effects and demand effects); methodological and data-analysis issues; and clinicians’ expectancy effects. These factors are not necessarily to be seen as mere artifacts, however, because they may constitute favorable components of the placebo effect. A set of benchmark criteria is therefore proposed to allow researchers to capitalize on these components during placebo research rather than have their results confounded by them; and to allow for a more reliable interpretation of study outcomes.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1016-9040
,
1878-531X
DOI:
10.1027/1016-9040/a000251
Language:
English
Publisher:
Hogrefe Publishing Group
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1238521-9
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2090869-6
SSG:
5,2
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