Investigator Poul Robinson writes:
Until today I gave gifts of chocolate unthinkingly — but no more! Dean Radin’s study [“Effects of Intentionally Enhanced Chocolate on Mood“], the highlight of this month’s mini-AIR, has got me thinking.
I did some searching (google, not soul) and found that Dr. Radin says he is quite serious about his discovery. His blog says:
That experiment employed a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind protocol, which is the gold-standard in medical testing, to see whether chocolate exposed to the good intentions of advanced meditators would make a difference in the mood of people who ate that chocolate, as compared to the same chocolate not exposed to such intentions. The study, a pilot test involving 62 participants, showed that it did indeed make a statistically significant difference.
I admit that I was surprised at the outcome of this test, but data are what they are. The whole purpose of conducting an experiment is to ask questions about how the world works, regardless of our prejudices. And the strength of empiricism is that data always trumps preconceived ideas. If this weren’t so, then we’d all still be living in damp caves eating grubs for dinner.
I suggest that, if the Roman gods are real, and if they are willing to accept a new member to their ranks, they should appoint Dr. Radin to be the god of Valentine’s Day chocolate givers.
