Sep 17, Oskar Pfungst and the case of Clever Hans: Today in the History of Psychology (17th September 1904)

Oskar Pfungst began his famous investigation into the case of " Clever Hans, " a horse that could seemingly solve mathematical problems (multiplication and division) by tapping out answers with his right hoof. However, Pfungst concluded that the explanation for this lay not in any rational thinking on the part of " Clever Hans " but rather in the almost imperceptible ideomotor movement and nuanced body language of his owner Mr. Von Osten which signaled to the horse when he was expected to start and stop tapping. Oskar Pfungst's findings in the case of " Clever Hans " were instrumental in raising the issue of experimenter expectancy effects within research. See following link to learn all about the fascinating history of psychology.History of Psychology
Source: Forensic Psychology Blog - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: blogs