Abstract - Experimenter Effects in the Physical and Biological Sciences

Skeptical Inquirer 22(3), 57-58 May / June 1998

Could Experimenter Effects Occur in the Physical and Biological Sciences?

by Rupert Sheldrake

Abstract:
Probably most skeptics would agree with Michael Mussachia (SI Nov/Dec 1995) that "our beliefs, desires and expectations can influence, often subconsciously, how we observe and interpret things". In psychology and clinical medicine these principles are widely recognized, which is why experiments in these subjects are often carried out under blind or double-blind conditions.