Deric Bownds' MindBlog: How superstition improves performance - http://mindblog.dericbownds.net/2010...
"four different experiments show that activating good-luck-related superstitions via a common saying or action (e.g., “break a leg,” keeping one’s fingers crossed) or a lucky charm improves subsequent performance in golfing, motor dexterity, memory, and anagram games. Furthermore, they demonstrate that these performance benefits are produced by changes in perceived self-efficacy. " - Fred Yankowski