Science Projects
Power of Suggestion

Items needed:
	Yourself
	A Clock

This is a very simple experiment, which can show you how much impact your thoughts have on your body. Find a nice, comfortable place to sit, where you can see the clock. Now, all you have to do is sit for five minutes without scratching your nose. That is all. Just don't scratch your nose. Easy, right? You go for hours without scratching your nose.
How are you doing? Has your nose started to itch yet?

Why? The itch is the result of your brain. First, we start with the suggestion that you not scratch your nose. That implies that your nose will itch. Sitting there, watching the clock keeps your attention focused on your nose. Any small sensation becomes the focus of your attention and quickly builds until you feel that you just have to scratch it.
Some people are more prone to suggestion than others. While some people may be able to resist scratching for the five minutes, most people will feel the itching sensation in much less than the time limit. As we have just seen, suggestion can be a powerful thing. It is used in advertising all the time. Just be glad that I picked an easy to scratch spot like your nose. Just imagine if I had told you to think about that spot between your shoulders that is so hard to reach. Just don't think about it too long . . .

This document may be distributed in any form, as long as there is no charge and my name and e-mail address are included. If you would like to be added to the Experiment of the Week List, just send me an e-mail at krampf@aol.com.

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