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Famous cognitive psychology experiments that failed to replicate


A quick reference

This post is a compact reference list of the most (in)famous cognitive science results that failed to replicate and should, for the time being, be considered false. Claimed result: Adopting expansive body postures for 2 minutes (like standing with hands on hips or arms raised) increases testosterone, decreases cortisol, and makes people feel more powerful and take more risks. Claimed result: Children's ability to resist eating a marshmallow when left alone in a room at age 4-5 strongly predicts adolescent achievement, with those who waited longer showing better life outcomes.

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