Experimental Evidence (Placebos)

Question 1

Downing and Rickles, 1983 - placebos and anxiety

Answer 1

Placebos are effective at significantly reducing anxiety

Question 2

Haas et al, 1959 - side effects of placebos

Answer 2

Can reduce allergies, asthma, acne and a number of other minor ailments

Question 3

Beecher, 1995 - placebos and pain

Answer 3

Found that placebos were very effective at reducing pain. Both subjectively (e.g. I feel less sore) and objectively (increased joint movement)

Question 4

Gracely et al, 1995 - Researchers beliefs about placebos

Answer 4

Found that a researcher’s own beliefs about placebos impacted their effectiveness. I.e. If a researcher believes they will work they become more effective

Question 5

Park and Covi, 1965 - patient awareness

Answer 5

Even when patients are explicitly aware they have taken a placebo there is still a reduction in neuroticism

Question 6

Wickramasekera, 1980 - factors of placebo effectiveness

Answer 6

These factors had an impact as to the effectiveness of the placebo:
Doctors rank
The environment 
Place of treatment
SIze of pill

Question 7

Levine et al, 1978 - physiological theory

Answer 7

Suggests that placebos cause a release of endorphins (an opiate) which causes a reduction in pain. This is supported by similar opiate addiction withdrawal