10 of the Weirdest Devices Ever Used in Psychological Experiments

Psychology has long been the study of the mind and behavior, and over the decades, researchers have designed some truly bizarre devices to explore the depths of human consciousness. From shocking electrodes to sensory deprivation tanks, these devices have pushed the boundaries of ethics and human endurance. In this article, we’ll delve into ten of the weirdest devices ever used in psychological experiments, examining their purposes, methodologies, and implications.

1. The Skinner Box

The Skinner Box, invented by B.F. Skinner in the 1930s, is one of the most well-known devices in psychology. It’s a simple, enclosed chamber designed for conditioning animals. The box typically contains levers and food dispensers, which record the responses of the subject (usually a rat or pigeon).

By observing how animals interact with the apparatus, Skinner was able to study behaviors and reinforcements, leading to groundbreaking theories on operant conditioning. For simple actions like pressing a lever to receive a food reward, the box became central to the study of positive reinforcement in both animals and humans. However, it also raised ethical concerns about the welfare of the animals used in these experiments.

2. The Electric Shock Machine

In the infamous Milgram experiment, Stanley Milgram used an electric shock machine to study obedience to authority. Participants were instructed to administer shocks of increasing intensity to a “learner” (actor) whenever they answered incorrectly. The shocking revelation was that many participants were willing to continue administering high levels of shocks simply because they were told to do so by an authority figure.

This experiment not only highlighted the discomfort of humans in the face of authority but also raised ethical questions regarding the psychological impact on participants, some of whom demonstrated signs of extreme stress throughout the experiment.

3. The Stanford Prison Experiment Setup

Conducted in 1971 by Philip Zimbardo, the Stanford Prison Experiment involved a simulated prison environment where participants were assigned roles as either guards or prisoners. The setup included a makeshift prison in the basement of the psychology department at Stanford University.

The guards were given uniforms, sunglasses, and batons, while the prisoners wore smocks and were referred to by their numbers. The experiment aimed to study the psychological effects of perceived power and authority. However, it quickly spiraled out of control, with guards displaying cruel behaviors, leading to the experiment being terminated after only six days due to ethical concerns about the psychological impact on participants.

4. The “Little Albert” Experiment Apparatus

In 1920, John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner conducted a controversial experiment known as the “Little Albert” study. They exposed a baby, known as Albert, to a series of stimuli, including a white rat, to see if he could be conditioned to fear them. The apparatus included loud noises that frightened Albert whenever he approached the rat, ultimately leading him to develop a fear of fuzzy objects.

This experiment raised significant ethical concerns, particularly about fear conditioning in infants. It not only demonstrated the power of associative learning but also led to deeper questions about the ethical treatment of human subjects in research.

5. The Ganzfeld Experiment Setup

The Ganzfeld experiment is a classic setup in parapsychology designed to test telepathy and psychic ability. Participants are placed in a sensory deprivation environment, often with ping pong balls over their eyes, white noise in their ears, and they are asked to focus on a randomly selected target image.

The purpose of the Ganzfeld experiment was to determine whether participants could achieve a statistically significant rate of success in identifying the target, supposedly using extrasensory perception. While results were intriguing, the methodology is often criticized for lack of rigor and potential sensory overload.

6. The Shockproof Helmet

Developed during the early days of neuroscience exploration, this peculiar device was designed to study brainwaves and electrical activity in human subjects. The shockproof helmet, which encased the head of the participant, was connected to various electrodes that measured brain activity while simultaneously exposing the individual to auditory or visual stimuli.

The research aimed to explore how different stimuli affected cerebral activity. While beneficial for scientific exploration, the odd appearance of the helmet often made subjects uncomfortable and reluctant to participate.

7. The Sensory Deprivation Tank

Sensory deprivation tanks, invented by John C. Lilly in the 1950s, were originally designed to explore the nature of consciousness. The device consists of a dark, soundproof tank filled with saltwater, allowing participants to float and experience extreme sensory isolation.

The goal was to eliminate external stimuli to explore how the mind reacts to the absence of sensory information. While some participants reported profound experiences during sessions, this form of isolation also became a source of psychological distress for others, highlighting the importance of altered states of perception.

8. The Rorschach Inkblot Test Cards

The Rorschach inkblot test, developed by Hermann Rorschach in the early 20th century, is a projective psychological test consisting of inkblot images. The cards are designed to evoke a wide range of associations and emotions from the subject. While not a physical device in the traditional sense, the test serves as a fascinating tool for exploring the depths of perception and unconscious thoughts.

Interpreting responses to inkblots can reveal hidden fears, desires, and how individuals see and interact with the world around them, leading to significant insights about personality and emotional health.

9. The Phobia Creation Device

Experimental devices used to create or amplify phobias have surfaced throughout psychological research. This device often utilized rapid exposure to feared stimuli while simultaneously administering aversive stimuli, creating an association that could lead to phobia development.

This technique has sparked considerable ethical debate, as deliberately inducing phobias raises concerns regarding the psychological well-being of subjects and questions of informed consent.

10. The Mirror Box

Developed by Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, the mirror box is a simple apparatus that uses mirrors to create the illusion of movement in patients suffering from phantom limb pain. The device allows patients to “see” their missing limb moving in sync with their intact limb, often alleviating pain.

This device is particularly noteworthy as it combines elements of sensory perception, body image, and neural plasticity, helping patients rewire their brain’s perception of their bodies through innovative therapy.

Conclusion

Throughout history, numerous psychological experiments have utilized unusual devices, each revealing insights into human thought and behavior. While many of these devices provided significant benefits to the field, they also invited essential conversations around ethics in research and the well-being of participants. As our understanding of psychology evolves, the devices we choose to study the mind will continue to push boundaries, inviting new discoveries and discussions surrounding the complexities of human behavior.