I haven’t been posting much on my FreshNewsBlog lately. Spent most of my time on www.slimtennis.nl instead..
Anyway, this great article reminded me that I like sharing stuff that strikes an interest with me, and this article certainly did. How a Lack of Control Leads to Superstition, A Skeptic’s review of the study “Lacking Control Increases Illusory Pattern Perception”, By Michael Shermer.
In summary, what the article implies, based on scientific study, is that people often tend to identify coherent and meaningful interrelationships among a set of random or unrelated stimuli (such as the tendency to perceive false correlations, see imaginary figures, form superstitious rituals, and embrace conspiracy beliefs) when they have a feeling of lacking control over the matter. In other words, when individuals are unable to gain a sense of control objectively, they will try to gain it perceptually.
I wonder how big this effect is when it comes to religion 
!?
Anyway, this is the most interesting part of the article. One study indicated the following:
In a New England nursing home in which the residents were given plants, but only some had the opportunity to water them. Those residents who were in charge of watering the plants lived longer and healthier lives than the others, even those given plants watered by the staff. The sense of control had the apparent effect on physical health and well-being.
Does this mean what I think it means? We tend to live longer and happier when we have a sense of being in control over certain aspects in our surroundings!?
Tags: control, perception, superstition
As a first reaction, common sense would suggest that the residents (old people?) simply had “something to live for”, i.e. a goal. Now, indirectly, having a goal, especially if accompanied by an action plan often does translate into having a sense of control.
Also kind of an explanation of that saying how people tend to get sick and die soon after they retire.. Unless they have hobbies, or other goals in life, the lack of anything in life to control the progress of (or towards) tends to shorten their “desire” to live..