The Ideomotor Effect

Question 1

Define the Ideomotor Effect

Answer 1

• If you imagine something intensely, your motor system acts as if the imagined situation were true

Question 2

Define Response Expectancies

Answer 2

• Anticipation influences responses that we normally consider outside of our control

Question 3

How does the Chevreul Pendulum Illustrate the Ideomotor Effect?

Answer 3

• Small movements in the motor system are amplified by the pendulum, giving the illusion that the pendulum moves of its own accord

Question 4

What Other Phenomena Are the Result of the Ideomotor Effect

Answer 4

• Dowsing
• Table-Turning
• Facilitated Communication

Question 5

Describe Dowsing

Answer 5

• Using rods or other ‘focuses’ to find water underground

Question 6

Describe Table-Turning

Answer 6

• During Sceances, the participants move the table and are convinced the table moved due to spirits

Question 7

Describe Facilitated Communication

Answer 7

• Non-verbal adolescents look at screens of words while interpreters reveal what they are trying to say…
• Led to allegations of abuse

Question 8

Describe Three Ways That the Ideomotor Effect may be Relevant to Psychological Treatment

Answer 8

• Instills hope and positive expectations
• Implications for the Placebo effect, especially around drug studies
• Response expectancies are the chief underlying mechanism of hypnosis