21 grams experiment
MacDougall said his experiment would have to be repeated many times before any conclusion could be obtained. The experiment is not considered good science. This is because of the small sample size, the methods used, and the fact only one of the six subjects met the hypothesis. The case has been used as an example of selective reporting. Despite its rejection by scientists, MacDougall’s experiment made people think that the soul has weight. Specifically, that it weighs 21 grams.