2007-07-27 08:20:27 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
The ideomotor effect refers to the influence of suggestion or expectaton on involuntary and unconscious motor behavior. The term "ideomotor action" was coined by William B. Carpenter in 1852 in his explanation for the movements of rods and pendulums by dowsers, and some table turning or lifting by spirit mediums (the ones that weren't accomplished by cheating). Carpenter argued that muscular movement can be initiated by the mind independently of volition or emotions. We may not be aware of it, but suggestions can be made to the mind by others or by observations. Those suggestions can influence the mind and affect motor behavior.
Scientific tests by American psychologist William James, French chemist Michel Chevreul, English scientist Michael Faraday (Zusne and Jones 1989: 111), and American psychologist Ray Hyman have demonstrated that many phenomena attributed to spiritual or paranormal forces, or to mysterious "energies," are actually due to ideomotor action. Furthermore, these tests demonstrate that "honest, intelligent people can unconsciously engage in muscular activity that is consistent with their expectations" (Hyman 1999). They also show that suggestions that can guide behavior can be given by subtle clues (Hyman 1977).
The movement of pointers on Ouija boards, of a facilitator's hands in facilitated communication, of hands and arms in applied kinesiology, and of some behaviors attributed to hypnotic suggestion, are due to ideomotor action. Ray Hyman (1999) has demonstrated the seductive influence of ideomotor action on medical quackery, where it has produced such appliances as the "Toftness Radiation Detector" (used by chiropractors) and "black boxes" used in medical radiesthesia and radionics (popular with naturopaths to harness "energy" used in diagnosis and healing.) Hyman also argues that such things as Qi Gong and "pulse diagnosis," popular in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine as practiced by Deepak Chopra, are best explained in terms of ideomotor action and require no supposition of mysterious energies such as chi.
2007-07-27 14:31:15 · answer #1 · answered by Chaine de lumière 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pendulum is very portable. It can be used for dowsing in some instances. It can sense entities where none are seen. Interestingly our cats can cause a pendulum to move and then whack it with a paw. I always have a pendulum about so that if the question comes up in my mind, "Do I really want to do this?" I can get a bit of help. As well, a pendulum can also be used to test for ESP.
2007-07-27 08:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by Terry 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a pendulum is not made for paranormal research.
2007-07-28 03:08:47 · answer #3 · answered by bowlingforyourmama 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if it rotates, it means an entity or energy is present. Also, though I would never do it (invites possession) you can ask it questions and yes/no by rotation.
2007-07-27 08:31:24 · answer #4 · answered by Gabriel Archangel 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will know if you use one. They either work for you or they don't.
2007-07-27 11:24:03 · answer #5 · answered by Sal D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, hit your subject over the head with it.
If the stars they see spin clockwise, they should go on a diet.
2007-07-27 08:24:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋