Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Could the placebo effect be bullshit? (with Literal Banana)
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Jan 15, 2025 
Literal Banana, a quirky banana who escaped a high-tech produce delivery, dives deep into the placebo effect and its implications for human psychology. She questions whether the placebo effect is just 'scientific-sounding woo' and discusses the importance of both placebo and no-treatment groups in research. Banana also examines the nuances between open-label and closed-label placebos and how belief can influence physical sensations. Join her on a journey to understand the complexities of mind-body connections and the role of mindset in wellness.
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Placebo Effect Debunked?
- Literal Banana argues that the placebo effect, the idea that inert substances can have healing power, is not supported by science.
- Placebo-controlled trials are valuable for research, but the placebo's inherent healing power is questionable.
Placebo Belief and Expectation
- If the placebo effect stems from belief, open-label trials should work if people believe placebos work.
- Studies on the impact of placebo belief or expectation yield mixed results.
Origin of Placebo Skepticism
- Literal Banana's skepticism of the placebo effect arose from her interest in the replication crisis in social sciences.
- She questions the idea of automaticity, where subtle environmental changes cause predictable psychological effects.