STUDY 1 - ELECTROSENSITIVE People are increasingly complaining of being “electrosensitive” some people report that electromagnetic fields cause them severe pain. In Sweden sufferers build houses that block the supposed damaging electric fields. Studies have shown that such victims feel the same discomfort when in the presence of fake phones as they do when they’re near real phones. Research at the University of Regensburg conducted an investigation. They told 30 participants they’d be exposed to two stimuli: a heat-emitting thermode and an active cell phone. The thermode was real, but the phone was a fake phone. Participants were not told the true nature of the experiment. When exposed to heat, both groups complained of discomfort. When both groups were exposed to a fake phone, only the electrosensitive group reported pain. Their reports matched their actual physiological response. The electrosensitive group showed increased activity in brain areas specific to pain perception. This suggests that electrosensitivity, rather than being a response to electromagnetic stimulus, is akin to well-known psychosomatic disorders such as some sorts of tinnitus and chronic pain. A psychosomatic disorder is one in which the symptoms are real, but are induced by cognitive functions such as attitudes, beliefs and expectations rather than by direct external stimuli. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? Suggest a hypothesis.

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

5th Edition

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1TY

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STUDY 1 - ELECTROSENSITIVE

People are increasingly complaining of being “electrosensitive” some people report that electromagnetic fields cause them severe pain. In Sweden sufferers build houses that block the supposed damaging electric fields.

Studies have shown that such victims feel the same discomfort when in the presence of fake phones as they do when they’re near real phones. Research at the University of Regensburg conducted an investigation. They told 30 participants they’d be exposed to two stimuli: a heat-emitting thermode and an active cell phone. The thermode was real, but the phone was a fake phone. Participants were not told the true nature of the experiment.

When exposed to heat, both groups complained of discomfort. When both groups were exposed to a fake phone, only the electrosensitive group reported pain.

Their reports matched their actual physiological response. The electrosensitive group showed increased activity in brain areas specific to pain perception.

This suggests that electrosensitivity, rather than being a response to electromagnetic stimulus, is akin to well-known psychosomatic disorders such as some sorts of tinnitus and chronic pain. A psychosomatic disorder is one in which the symptoms are real, but are induced by cognitive functions such as attitudes, beliefs and expectations rather than by direct external stimuli.