Placebo Effect
The placebo effect occurs when a person experiences real improvement due to belief in a treatment.
Overview
Expectations can influence physiological responses. Placebo effects are studied in medicine and psychology.
Key Insight
The placebo effect shows that belief and context can alter subjective and sometimes objective outcomes.
Scientific Status
Well-documented phenomenon in medical and psychological research.
How Researchers Study It
Randomised controlled trials with placebo arms, and studies of expectation and conditioning.
Quick Facts
- Field
- medicine, psychology
- Related Concepts
- expectation, belief
- Typical Context
- clinical trials and therapy
Related Terms
FAQ
Is the placebo effect imaginary?
No. Placebo effects can produce measurable changes in brain and body; they are real psychological and physiological phenomena.