Lucky Charms Really Work

Study shows they can affect performance
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 29, 2010 11:07 AM CDT
Lucky Charms Really Work
Superstitions can actually effect performance.   (©1Happysnapper (photography))

Wearing your "lucky underwear" to every big meeting may mean you're a little weird—but not crazy. A new study shows that believing in good luck can actually have an impact on performance. Researchers told a group of putters that they were playing with a "lucky ball"—and the participants sank 6.4 out of 10 putts, about 2 more than those who weren't told their ball was special, reports the Wall Street Journal.

But before you whip out those lucky undies and make a bet on the big game, be warned: Superstitions can't improve a situation whose outcome you have no control over.
(Read more luck stories.)

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