Last week, Tim signed up to participate in a research study in which participants were to be randomly assigned to consume an alcoholic beverage in the form of a mixed drink (''alcohol group''), or to consume beverage mixer with no alcohol included ("non-alcohol group"). Beverage consumption was scheduled to occur in a simulated nightclub environment, complete with a dance floor. Unbeknownst to Tim, on the day of the study he was assigned to the ''no alcohol'' group. After his third beverage, Tim made his way onto the dance floor where he began to gyrate wildly. Because he never dances unless he's drunk, Tim was sure he was feeling the effects of a series of alcoholic beverages. In fact, after a few more drinks, Tim began to feel dizzy and nauseated, and had to sit down. Which of the follow phenomena BEST accounts for Tim's experience?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tim's belief that he had consumed alcohol and the context of a nightclub with a dance floor likely created expectations for him to feel drunk. This expectation can lead to the placebo effect, in which a person's belief in a substance or treatment can influence their physical and psychological experiences. In Tim's case, his belief that he had consumed alcohol may have influenced his perception of feeling dizzy and nauseated.

Last Week, Tim Signed Up to Participate in a Research