Research

Magicians are – first and foremost – artists of perception, attention and awareness. Cognitive researchers at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ have been studying the effects of magic and illusion on these attributes. These researchers are confident that what they learn from magicians will help them better understand, diagnose, and treat certain cognitive deficits (Martinez-Conde & Macknik/Barrow Institute 2008).

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, a number of education researchers evaluated the effectiveness of using magic tricks with students with learning differences.  Key findings from this research include:

  • Magic tricks offer a creative means for stimulating the senses in special education students (Frith and Walker, 1983).
  • Magic tricks provide a strategy for building teamwork and self-esteem in children with Emotional Behavior Disorders (S.A. Broome, 1989).
  • Magic tricks enhance the learning experience and encourage creative problem-solving skills, observational techniques, and critical thinking (McCormack, 1985).
  • Magic tricks in an educational setting can help students with learning differences attain higher self-esteem and self-confidence (Ezell, 2003).

Previous studies – however limited in their scope – have proven that the use of simple magic tricks can enhance the learning experience and improve self-esteem; however, research also illustrates that, when integrated into core curriculum, it can provide significant advancements in critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and retention.

In spite of those recommendations and the positive results achieved, no organized efforts were ever initiated – until now.

Hocus Focus™ is designed to give you all the necessary tools to bring a little magic into your student’s learning experience.  Numerous research studies have been completed and others are on-going.  Below you will find links to some of the existing research on the Hocus Focus™ Project.