Behavior and Belief

The video starts with a playful introduction by Michael, who humorously pretends to be Vanessa before revealing his true identity. He discusses the human fascination with lies and the concept of belief, emphasizing that complete proof of anything is often elusive. Michael introduces the topic of the episode: exploring how belief can turn a lie into a truth. He visits Dr. Aaron Blaisdell at UCLA to discuss the formation of beliefs about what causes our behavior. They decide to replicate Skinner's experiment on superstitious behavior, but with humans instead of pigeons, using a Skinner Box. The experiment aims to see if people will develop their own superstitious rituals or beliefs.

Michael and Dr. Blaisdell set up a fake game show called 'Victory Vault' to conduct a human Skinner Box experiment. They create a staged environment with a button, a door, and an ATM slot that dispenses money at regular intervals, all designed to study how people react to the environment and form beliefs about what actions cause the rewards. Rebecca, the first subject, enters the room and starts exploring the environment, quickly forming a superstitious ritual involving the door and the button. As the money continues to be dispensed regardless of her actions, she adjusts her beliefs and behaviors, demonstrating the process of extinction and the formation of new superstitions.

The video continues to explore how different subjects in the 'Victory Vault' experiment develop their own unique superstitions based on their preconceived notions and expectations. Some participants believe they need to perform for the camera or make the producers laugh, while others think being different is the key. The experiment reveals that humans are susceptible to forming superstitious beliefs when faced with uncertainty, despite the lack of any real connection between their actions and the rewards. The diversity of behaviors and beliefs among the participants highlights the role of individual expectations in shaping their responses.

Michael introduces a new experiment inspired by his interest in horror movies: a sham reverse exorcism. Unlike a traditional exorcism, which aims to remove a spirit, a reverse exorcism would involve inducing the belief that a spirit has been placed inside someone. Michael collaborates with Dr. Veissiére to design the experiment, which involves using elements from both religion and science to manipulate the participants' beliefs. They plan to use props, actors, and a carefully crafted ritual to make the participants feel as though they are being possessed by a spirit.

The video delves into the details of the sham reverse exorcism experiment, highlighting the use of hypnosis and suggestion to induce the feeling of possession. The experiment is set up with a fake lab, actors playing the roles of a nurse, a priest, and a scientist, all designed to create a believable and immersive experience. The participants are subjected to a ritual that combines religious iconography and medical equipment, aimed at relaxing their critical minds and making them more susceptible to suggestion. The experiment tests the power of belief and the extent to which external cues can influence internal experiences.

The final segment of the video discusses the profound effects of the sham reverse exorcism on the participants, despite the fact that all elements of the ritual were fabricated. Participants reported vivid experiences, including feelings of presence, visions of deceased loved ones, and sensations of being possessed. The experiment demonstrates the power of belief and the ability of the human mind to create real experiences based on suggestions and expectations. Michael reflects on the implications of these findings, questioning the difference between their staged ritual and the practices of actual religious ceremonies, and pondering the philosophical questions raised by the power of belief.