An individual is given a placebo pill and told that the side effects of the pill may include jitteriness, feelings of apprehension, and nervousness. They are then given a series of simple math problems to solve, but during the math tests the investigator sets off the fire alarm. Compared to the people who did not receive the placebo pill, these individuals reported much less fear or anxiety regarding the unexpected fire alarm, even though their physiological measures showed just as much fear reactions as those who did not receive pill. Why might the individuals who received the pill fail to attribute their physiological reactions to the unexpected fire alarm?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The individuals who received the placebo pill may have unconsciously attributed their fear and anxiety to the pill, rather than the fire alarm, because they were told that the pill may cause feelings of jitteriness, apprehension, and nervousness. This suggestion may have primed them to attribute any physiological reactions to the pill rather than the fire alarm.

An Individual Is Given a Placebo Pill and Told That