If the placebo effect works by tricking the brain, why does it need to be tricked if it’s apparently able to solve the issue on its own?

Question

If the placebo effect works by tricking the brain, why does it need to be tricked if it’s apparently able to solve the issue on its own?

In: 6662

Answer 1

One part of the placebo effect is how it affects the researchers. These scientists are observing the patients, taking the measurements, interpreting the measurements. As logical and methodical as they try to be, they too are affected by an expectation to see results when a treatment is given. This biases them towards reporting better results of treated patients.

This is why in a double-blind trial, no one knows who has received the treatment and who hasn’t until the results have been compiled into unambiguous numbers.