BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
Balanga Campus
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Psychology Department
EXPERIMENT NO. 01:
EFFECTS OF SUPERSTITIONS ON LUCK PERCEPTION
Objective:
To assess whether engaging in a simple superstition or ritual influences an individual's
immediate perception of personal luck, thereby providing insights into the psychological
impact of superstitions on luck perception.
Background:
Human fascination with superstitions, rituals, and beliefs that influence luck perception has
persisted throughout history and across cultures. Superstitions often stem from a desire to
exert control over uncertain outcomes, provide comfort in times of stress, or simply to
uphold tradition. While these beliefs lack scientific validation, they continue to shape human
behavior and decision-making.
The "Effects of Superstitions on Luck Perception" experiment seeks to explore the
psychological impact of engaging in superstitious behaviors on an individual's perception of
luck. While superstitions are deeply ingrained in society, there is limited empirical research
on whether these rituals genuinely influence how people perceive their own luck.
Understanding the potential psychological effects of superstitions on luck perception can
shed light on the intricate interplay between cognition and behavior. This experiment aims
to investigate whether engaging in a superstition, even momentarily, can alter an
individual's perception of luck. Such insights have relevance not only in psychology but
also in the broader context of how human beliefs and rituals influence decision-making and
well-being.
By conducting this experiment, we aim to contribute to the understanding of the role
superstitions play in shaping our perception of luck and whether these rituals have a
measurable psychological impact.
Procedures:
1.
Preparation:

Create a questionnaire or survey that includes questions related to participants'
perception of luck. Sample questions might include, "How lucky do you feel today
on a scale of 1 to 10?" or "Do you have any superstitions that you believe bring
good luck?"

Prepare a brief introduction explaining the purpose of the experiment to your
class, ensuring that participants understand the voluntary nature of their
participation and the confidentiality of their responses.
Randomly divide your class into two groups: the control group and the superstition
group. If your class is small, you can use a computer or paper-based randomizer
to assign participants to groups. Ensure that the two groups are roughly equal in
size.
Ask both groups to complete the initial questionnaire to measure their baseline
perception of luck. This will serve as the control group's initial perception.

2.
3.
For the superstition group, introduce a superstition or ritual that is simple to perform
and associated with good luck. For example, you can suggest that wearing a specific
color or saying a particular phrase will bring good luck.
4.
Have both groups complete the same questionnaire once more, but this time, they
should also note the time when they completed it. The control group completes it as is,
while the superstition group completes it after performing the suggested superstition.
5.
Collect all questionnaires and record the participants' responses and the time of
completion.
6.
Analyze the data by comparing the baseline (initial) perception of luck to the
perception after introducing the superstition for the superstition group. For the control
group, compare their initial and final perceptions of luck as well. Use statistical tools or
software as needed.
Discuss the results with your class. Compare the changes in luck perception between
the control and superstition groups. Are there any significant differences? This can
lead to a discussion about the psychological impact of superstitions on luck perception.
7.
8.
9.
Conclude the experiment by summarizing the findings and discussing their
implications. Encourage students to reflect on the role of superstitions in their lives and
society in general.
Ensure that participants' responses remain confidential and that they are aware of their
right to withdraw from the experiment at any time.
10. After the experiment, provide a debriefing session to explain the purpose of the study
and its results. Address any questions or concerns raised by participants.
11. As an extension, you can also explore whether the effects of superstitions on luck
perception are short-term or have longer-lasting effects by conducting follow-up
surveys or discussions at a later time.
Guide
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
Does engaging in a superstition influence how lucky individuals perceive themselves to
be?
Are there differences in luck perception between those who perform a superstition and
those who do not?
Does the type of superstition or ritual practiced impact participants' perception of luck?
Prepared by:
INSTR. JOHN KENNETH Q. PADEL, RPm, CHRA
Experimental Psychology Instructor, BPSU-CSBS