No one has written on this topic, so you can skip it. Here are some ideas for whoever writes it--but all you need to know if you're reading is the definition of "treatment group" and "control group" and "the placebo effect." You should be able to google these.

The Supposed Origins of the Placebo Effect.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/819157293353747

In a reel on Facebook, a gentleman shares a story about the origins of the placebo effect. He states,

“Our minds have a hidden secret. In World War One, there was a field doctor out in the field. And so, you know when they come in from war, they’re missing a leg or missing this, they give them a shot of morphine. So, this is well documented and you can look it up. They ran out of morphine. The guys are still coming in injured. So, one of the nurses gives a needle of saline and hands it to the doctor and she says, ‘Here’s the morphine.’ They inject [the saline into the] soldier, and what happens? He calms down, the pain goes away and he survives. And he did that for like 2 or 3 hours, and that was the doctor that started the placebo research study. Think about that fundamentally. The power of the mind and if you think something is true as dramatic as your leg is cut off and you’re in trauma it will calm you down and potentially save your life. That is well documented. If that can happen you can talk to yourself and put yourself in a better spot without question.”

While this story illustrates the significance of the placebo effect, there is little evidence to back this claim that this event even happened. Upon researching this topic, I found an article by Jonathan Jarry M. Sc. from 11 February 2022 published by the McGill Office for Science and Society, titled “The Legend of the Wartime Placebo.” In this article, Jarry discusses the career and background of Dr. Henry Beecher graduating from Harvard and serving in the Second World War in Northern Africa and Italy. His own account contradicts the aforementioned reel on Facebook where it was mentioned that it was during the First World War. The following is a summary from ChatGPT.

[From Chat GPT/Generated by ChatGPT]

The Myth of Dr. Henry Beecher and the Placebo Effect.

Introduction:
The placebo effect, a phenomenon where patients experience improvements in symptoms due to their belief in receiving treatment rather than the treatment itself, has fascinated researchers and the public alike. One of the foundation myths surrounding the placebo effects revolves around Dr. Henry Beecher, who is credited with discovering its power in WWII. However, a closer examination reveals inconsistencies and a lack of evidence surrounding this narrative.

Historical Context:

Dr. Henry Beecher, a prominent figure in anesthesia and pain management, served in various medical capacities during World War II. The prevailing myth suggests that Beecher, faced with a shortage of morphine, administered saline solution to wounded soldiers, resulting in pain relief and sparking his interest in the placebo effect. However, a thorough investigation reveals discrepancies in accounts of this event and a lack of primary evidence from Beecher himself.

Debunking the Myth:

Despite its widespread acceptance, the story of Beecher’s placebo discovery lacks substantiated evidence. Various retellings of the event, including academic publications and popular media such as the television show M*A*S*H, which takes place during the Korean War, have contributed to its perpetuation. However, critical analysis exposes the inconsistencies and questionable sources, casting doubt on the veracity of Beecher’s role in the placebo effect’s discovery.

Implications:

The persistence of the Beecher placebo myth highlights the allure of compelling narratives in shaping our understanding of scientific phenomena. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of rigorous research and critical evaluation of historical accounts of psychology and human development. By scrutinizing commonly held beliefs and investigating their origins, scholars can advance knowledge and dispel misconceptions in the field.

Conclusion:

The Story of Dr. Henry Beecher’s discovery of the placebo effect serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of anecdotal evidence and the power of storytelling in shaping scientific discourse. While the myth persists in popular culture, scholarly inquiry reveals a lack of empirical support and highlights the need for skepticism and evidence-based practice in psychology and human development.

[End of ChatGPT contribution]

Implications for Teachers:

In education, teachers can use the placebo effect to curb misbehavior or keep students attention.

An example, imagine you are the teacher and a student is having difficulties paying attention. You approach the student, hand them a small object such as you say to them, 

"I've noticed you're having trouble focusing today. I'm going to leave this [toy/object/candy] here to help you focus. This can help you focus, but only if you allow it to do so. Do you think that will help, bud?"

This student wholeheartedly believes that what the teacher told them is true about the object placed on their desk. "This will help me focus if I just allow it to help me." It is pretty clear that this small object has no actual influence over this student. It is entirely up to the student who is in charge of their behavior, but the placebo this teacher has placed in their mind will treat this as the truth. Either way, the student is helped and the behavior is redirected positively.

Contributed by James Larsen.

Formative Assessment!

In which war did Henry Beecher serve according to his own account?

WWII

Vietnam War

WWI

Korean War

Spanish-American War

In which war did the gentleman from the Facebook reel mistakenly believe that Henry Beecher served?

WWI

Vietnam War

Korean War

WWII

Spanish-American War

Which of these television shows/movies according to the ChatGPT entry of Dr. Jonathan Jarry M. Sc. believe contributed to the prevalence of the saline-morphine placebo myth?

M*A*S*H

The Andy Griffith Show

Band of Brothers

The Pacific

Gomer Pyle USMC

Which of the following best describes the placebo effect?

The placebo effect is the phenomenon where patients experience improvements in symptoms due to their belief in receiving treatment rather than the treatment itself.

The placebo effect refers to the administration of active substances or procedures that lead to positive outcomes based on their pharmacological effects.

The placebo effect describes the tendency for individuals to experience worsening symptoms when given a treatment that has no active therapeutic components.

The placebo effect occurs when patients perceive no change in their condition after receiving a treatment, even if the treatment is inert or lacks any pharmacological effect.

The placebo effect encompasses the physiological responses when individuals expect a harmful side effect from a treatment, regardless of efficacy.

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the findings regarding the origins of the placebo effects discussed in this passage?

Dr. Henry Beecher’s own accounts contradict the claim that he discovered the placebo effect during WWI, as suggested in the Facebook reel.

Dr. Beecher, during WWI, administered saline injections to injured soldiers as a substitute for morphine, thereby initiating placebo research.

The reel on Facebook accurately recounts the events that led to the discovery of the placebo effects by Dr. Beecher during WWII.

The story of Dr. Beecher’s discovery of the placebo effect is well-documented and supported by primary evidence.

The myth surrounding Dr. Henry Beecher's discovery of the placebo effect has been thoroughly disproven and lacks empirical evidence.

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