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Scientists: Use magic to understand mind + VIDEO
Magic should be used to gain a deeper knowledge of human behaviour, according to North East scientists.
Psychologists from Durham University and the University of British Columbia believe studying tricks by top illusionists, such as Derren Brown and David Blaine can help understand how people think and act.
These techniques, which have been developed over thousands of years, offer powerful tools to manipulate our perception according to Dr Gustav Kuhn, of Durham's Psychology Department.
A practising magician, Dr Kuhn is the co-author of a report published in the academic journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, which could have long-term applications in future psychology studies.
It outlines the key techniques of the magic trade – misdirection, illusion and forcing – which have only recently been formally identified by scientists and taken seriously as a valid research area.
"Magicians are in some ways miles ahead of scientists," said Dr Kuhn.
"For example, imagine a ball tossed into the air that suddenly disappears, or someone successfully predicting what you will do next.
"These tricks may seem like they defy the laws of physics and logic, but they are actually created through a combination of skill and a deep knowledge of human psychology.
"By drawing upon the practical knowledge and experience of magicians, scientists may obtain new insights into various areas of human perception and cognition that we are still struggling to understand."
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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