mspence

The placebo effect could be a reasonable way to explain what is happening in this situation. The child that is continuing to have dirty socks is receiving the "placebo" while the other child is receiving nothing. The child that is continuing to have dirty socks has an increase in confidence leading to his high level of performance because he truly BELIEVES that what he has is making him better. This is the bases behind the placebo effect- people have to believe that what they are getting is making them better even if it is nothing. The child that does not have dirty socks believes he cannot perform as well without them (without the good luck) leading him to lack confidence and the ability to perform as well.

Michelle