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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Superstitions are often dismissed as irrational.
  • Many individuals use superstitions for good luck.
  • The performance consequences and psychological underpinnings of superstitions are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the performance benefits of superstitions.
  • To identify the psychological mechanisms driving these benefits.
  • To explore the role of self-efficacy and task persistence.

Main Methods:

  • Four experiments were conducted, activating good-luck superstitions through common sayings, actions, or lucky charms.
  • Participants' performance was measured in tasks including golfing, motor dexterity, memory, and anagram games.
  • Perceived self-efficacy and task persistence were assessed to understand underlying mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Activating superstitions led to improved performance across various tasks.
  • These performance enhancements were mediated by increased perceived self-efficacy.
  • Superstition-induced self-efficacy positively influenced task persistence, further contributing to performance gains.

Conclusions:

  • Superstitions are not merely irrational beliefs but can yield tangible performance benefits.
  • The psychological mechanism involves enhanced self-efficacy, leading to greater confidence and persistence.
  • This research highlights the adaptive psychological functions superstitions can serve.