An intriguing set of experiments showing how you can improve perception by manipulating mindset found significantly improved vision when:
- an eye chart was arranged in reverse order (the letters getting progressively larger rather than smaller);
- participants were given eye exercises and told their eyes would improve with practice;
- participants were told athletes have better vision, and then told to perform jumping jacks or skipping (seen as less athletic);
- participants flew a flight simulator, compared to pretending to fly a supposedly broken simulator (pilots are believed to have good vision).
Reference:
[158]
(2010). Believing Is Seeing.
Psychological Science. 21(5), 661 - 666.