Behavior and Belief
Vsauce・21 minutes read
Michael explores the human tendency to accept lies and beliefs, conducting experiments with Skinner Boxes to study superstitions and behaviors. The "reverse exorcism" ritual shows how beliefs can shape reality, highlighting the power of superstitions and rituals in influencing human behavior.
Insights
- Michael's experiment reveals that humans are susceptible to superstitious beliefs, with some individuals remaining skeptical about their control over outcomes, showcasing the varied responses influenced by preconceived notions and diverse expectations.
- The "reverse exorcism" ritual, a placebo designed to induce a spirit possession experience, demonstrates the power of beliefs over reality, emphasizing how our brains create superstitions and rituals to feel in control, even if they are not grounded in actuality.
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What is the significance of Skinner Boxes?
Skinner Boxes study animal behavior through controlled stimuli.
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Summary
00:00
Exploring Human Superstitions in Skinner Boxes
- Michael, not Vanessa, explores the concept of lies and beliefs, highlighting the human tendency to accept things that aren't entirely true.
- He visits Dr. Aaron Blaisdell at UCLA to study beliefs and behaviors, focusing on Skinner Boxes as a tool for experimentation.
- Skinner Boxes, invented by B.F. Skinner, are used to study animal behavior through controlled stimuli.
- Michael aims to replicate Skinner's experiment with people to observe if they develop superstitious beliefs.
- "Victory Vault" is created as a fake game show to test human behavior in a Skinner Box-like setting.
- Subjects like Rebecca and others develop superstitious rituals, believing their actions control the money rewards.
- Rebecca's beliefs about TV shows influence her superstitions, while other subjects exhibit different behaviors.
- Not all subjects show superstitious behaviors, with diverse expectations influencing their actions.
- Humans, unlike pigeons, enter experiments with preconceived notions, leading to varied behaviors and beliefs.
- The experiment reveals that humans are susceptible to superstitious beliefs, but some individuals remain skeptical about their control over outcomes.
12:56
Beliefs Influence Behavior and Rituals in Experiments
- Beliefs influence behavior in a room, affecting the beliefs created during a game.
- People are belief machines and pattern seekers, leading to the development of rituals.
- Superstitious behavior arises in uncertainty, despite not affecting outcomes.
- A placebo can become true if believed strongly enough.
- Exorcisms are real and not just in movies, with a rise in exorcists in the US.
- A reverse exorcism involves placing a spirit in someone rather than removing it.
- The experiment aims to induce a spirit possession experience without claiming demonic possession.
- Hypnosis tricks are used to enhance the effectiveness of the reverse exorcism ritual.
- The experiment involves using religious and scientific props to influence participants' beliefs.
- Participants reported vivid experiences during the ritual, even though everything was staged.
26:50
Beliefs shape reality through placebo effect.
- Our brains are belief-making machines, leading us to create superstitions and beliefs to feel in control, even if they are not connected to reality. The "reverse exorcism" ritual was a placebo, but the subjects' belief in it made it real and transformative, highlighting the power of beliefs over reality.
