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Sunday, May 6, 2012

How Superstition is formed?

First researched by BF Skinner after several experiments with the pigeon, he is a great American behaviorist.

The experiment with the pigeon

A pigeon is placed in a box containing a button and a window, behind which some food is hidden. When the pigeon presses the button and the window goes up, the pigeon can take the food. "Like most living creatures, the pigeon quickly associates the pressing of the lever and the reward. But when a timer releases the seed automatically every 20 seconds, every 20 seconds, the pigeon wonders: "What did I do to deserve this?" If it was flapping its wings at the time, it'll continue to flap, convinced that its actions have a decisive influence on what happens. We call this 'pigeon superstition.'".


Was watching the movie Mr.NoBody and there are some interesting references and theories, thought will share with you all...