Arabian stallion brought to Germany by Wilhelm Von Osten
Was taught to answer math problems by tapping his hoof
Could also supposedly spell, tell time and recognize musical notes
Was debunked by Oskar Pfungst in 1907

For awhile, he had many scientists convinced he was a prodigy or even psychic.
His mental abilities were disproved by a researcher who showed he used his observers' body language to determine when to start and stop tapping.
A celebrity in his time, he is now mainly remembered by psychology students.
Nazi field marshal Hans Günther von Kluge was allegedly nicknamed ‘Clever Hans.'

He was certainly very clever when it came to reading human body language.
His owner sincerely believed in Clever Hans' abilities and was not trying to dupe anyone.
He lent his name to the scientific term ‘Clever Hans Effect,' meaning the unintentional providing of cues.
He illustrated the need for experimental subjects to be tested in isolation.
He may have encouraged psychologists to begin considering the role subtle signals play in communication.

Credit: Georgina

http://aia.li/18334

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