NLP Research Analysis

However, substantial confirmation can be found in research as well as anecdotal analysis that Neuro-linguistic Programming brings about changes that are far more noteworthy than those of a placebo effect. Nevertheless, the truth remains that it is not possible to test all the psychological effects in an empirical manner. 

Hence, the lack of scientific endorsement is prevalent, and the topic brings with it mixed notions and results. Due to inconsistent results, an accurate scientific analysis is impractical and a fixed set of Neuro-linguistic standards cannot be set.

The principle difference between science and a Neuro-linguistic course is the procedure for understanding the patient’s problems. While science relies predominantly on observable facts of the various human processes, Neuro-linguistic Programming depends on the inner unobservable aspects of the human mind. It formulates a hypothesis based on the external observations and the internal state of mind. The perception or map of the patient has to modeled or deduced by an experienced practitioner by observing his language patterns, body language, hypnotic state etc and understanding his emotions, feelings and thoughts during the experience. 

The technique used in Neuro-linguistic course is comparable to an engineering approach, which means more importance is given to the application and practical elements rather than its theory or lab research. In addition, the techniques are heuristic in nature, with techniques used to reveal hidden information and retrieve the underlying thought process. The field is based on the perception of the individual, and the subsequent steps are usually dependent on the existing information recovered. 

In addition, the relationship between the patient and the therapist is more open, with the therapist being able to access the patient’s innermost thoughts, beliefs and values. Rapport building forms a major part of the therapy. 

These attributes significantly differ from the natural scientific methods. In science, the hypothesis is usually based on the actual facts and theories of the field, and there is little dependence on the interpretation skills of the doctor or therapist. Hence, it is most important to consider Neuro-linguistic Programming as a black box, where the effectiveness of the technique can only be measured by monitoring the quality of the results for the given therapy. 

Neuro-linguistic Programming is therefore not usually expected to behave like any human related science, where given an action or therapy, the output or result is predictable.