Placebo Effect Paper

How to conduct a hoax:
Memory Plus and the placebo effect
Shawna Rosser, Shannon Ciuk, Martina Zhelezarova
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Abstract
This study’s objective is to test the placebo effect in an attempt to measure if participants will notice expected results from a product when primed. Although no active drug was be given, participants were told that the placebo capsules (gelatin capsules filled with cornstarch) were actually “study-boosting” capsules called “MemoryPlus,” aimed to increase students’ energy and ability to memorize materials studied. We expected a significant number of students to experience the expected effects of the capsule once primed. This study should shed light on how communities
Because of this expectancy theory, the way a product is advertised or described by professionals is important, and can lead to a stronger chance of the placebo effect taking place (Stewart-Williams, 2004). The expectancy theory may work, in terms of the placebo effect, because if the consumer expects certain results, they may feel less anxiety therefore making them feel better; the expectancy of change can also create a change in the person’s behavior (Stewart-Williams,
It was an attempt to prove that our participants will be affected by the product which was distributed to them. In our study, we distributed gelatin capsules which were filled with starch, but we presented our product as a caffeinated capsule which is supposed to act as an energy boost, help with our memory and help individuals with their performance aimed towards educational purposes. Our expected hypothesis was that subjects will have a certain effect from taking the gelatin capsules. Following the distribution of the capsules, participants were asked to complete a survey letting us know of what their experience was like with Memory Plus energy boost