Posted
7/31/2007 05:59:00 PM
by Douglas
Fascinating article about where your mind takes you when you're not paying
attention.New studies have found that people tidy up more thoroughly when there’s a faint tang of cleaning liquid in the air; they become more competitive if there’s a briefcase in sight, or more cooperative if they glimpse words like “dependable” and “support” — all without being aware of the change, or what prompted it.
Psychologists say that “priming” people in this way is not some form of hypnotism, or even subliminal seduction; rather, it’s a demonstration of how everyday sights, smells and sounds can selectively activate goals or motives that people already have.
I have no doubt that these "jedi mind tricks" are for real and can be quite effective. I just wonder why their full manipulation hasn't been realized by the truly evil. You know, like car salesmen and the media.