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Related Experiment Videos

Examining the 'cosmetics placebo effect'.

Carlota Batres1,2, Sarah S Kramer1, Caroline G DeAngelis1

  • 1Psychology Department, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Plos One
|January 11, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Cosmetics may influence behavior, but a study on donations found no statistically significant "cosmetics placebo effect." Men consistently donated more than women, supporting the "showoff hypothesis" regardless of cosmetic application.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics

Background:

  • Previous research suggests cosmetics positively influence behavioral measures, like tipping.
  • These effects may be linked to confederates wearing cosmetics, raising questions about behavioral changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the 'cosmetics placebo effect' on donation behavior.
  • To determine if perceived cosmetic use influences generosity.

Main Methods:

  • A confederate solicited donations under three conditions: no cosmetics, placebo cosmetics, and actual cosmetics.
  • Donation rates were compared across conditions and between male and female donors.

Main Results:

  • Men donated significantly more than women across all conditions, supporting the 'showoff hypothesis'.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Donations were highest in the cosmetics condition, followed by placebo and no cosmetics, though not statistically significant.
  • The study identified a potential, yet not statistically significant, cosmetic placebo effect.

    • Conclusions:

    • While men's generosity aligns with mating tactics, the 'cosmetics placebo effect' requires further investigation.
    • Future research should utilize more confederates and diverse behavioral measures to explore cosmetic influence.
    • Understanding the impact of cosmetics on real-world outcomes warrants continued exploration of placebo effects.