Quantifying Placebo Effects: Problems and Limitations
Henry K. Beecher's "The Powerful Placebo" in 1955 established the placebo effect as ‘scientific fact’. Beecher was the first to quantify it with 35% improvement in 15 trials with 1082 patients. The study is widely cited and replicated but false placebo impressions can result from factors such as spontaneous improvement and measurement bias. The concept and quantification of placebo effects remain unclear. In this seminar series, experts on placebo research from different parts of Europe will introduce their scientific investigation into this topic and provide current insights, limitations, and consequences thereof.
Organizers: Prof. Pablo Sinues, Mélina Richard
Time: 6 modules, Tuesday: 10:15 - 12:00
Location: University Campus Basel
The seminar will be followed by informal discussion. Non-registered participants are welcome to join on site or online via this link
Date & Location | Speaker | Title & Location |
07.03.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Pablo Sinues, Melina Richard | Introduction to the topic |
14.03.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Dan-Mikel Ellingsen Department of Physics & Computational Radiology, Oslo University Hospital | Novel approaches to investigate brain-behavioral mechanisms of placebo effects & social modulation of pain |
11.04.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Jens Gaab Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel | Open-label placebo – What’s next? |
18.04.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Katja Weimer Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center | From Social Observational Learning to Open-Label Placebos – Practical Applications of Placebo Effects |
09.05.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Liron Rozenkrantz Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University | Impact of beliefs & expectations on biological measures |
16.05.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Stephen Milford Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel | The Lies of Lies: Exploring the Ethics of Open-Label Prescription |
30.05.2023 | 10:15 - 12:00 | Student presentations |