Serious Problems With Interpreting Rubber Hand “Illusion” Experiments

The rubber hand “illusion” (RHI), in which participants report experiences of ownership over a fake hand, appears to demonstrate that subjective one’s body can be easily disrupted. It was recently shown existing methods controlling for suggestion effects RHI responding are invalid. also propensity agree with statements is correlated trait phenomenological control (response imaginative suggestion). There currently disagreement regarding the extent this relationship may cofound interpretation measures. Here we present results simulated experiments between and size reported would fundamentally change way must interpreted. Using real participant data, each experiment used sample biased selection control. We find using samples comprised only higher almost guarantees an provides evidence consistent RHI. By contrast, lower around half time – greater concern, specifically “ownership” experience just 4% time. These findings clearly contradict claims magnitude minor demonstrating presence given critical finding Further study theorising (and related effects) take into account role plays responses during experiments.