36 Questions
What term does Merton use to describe scientists' willingness to share their findings?
Communalism
Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of psychology as mentioned in the text?
Compromise
What is one of the essential components of the scientific method, as discussed in the text?
Accuracy
Which term comes from the Greek term 'skeptikos' and requires considering information carefully?
Skepticism
Which phrase do good scientists tend to avoid when describing their findings?
'Prove'
What characteristic involves changing strongly held views in the face of evidence?
Open-Mindedness
Which of the following is NOT a goal of psychological research?
To confirm preconceived notions
What is the 'Either-Or fallacy' in psychological research?
A fallacy that limits answers to one of two alternatives
In the context of psychological research, what does the 'Not me fallacy' refer to?
Thinking that one is immune from errors due to the scientific method exposure
What is one reason pseudoscience can be dangerous according to the text?
It promotes animal deaths in treating illnesses
How is 'science' defined in the context of the text?
Approach to evidence and a process of inquiry
Why do psychologists engage in research according to the text?
To explore reasons behind human behavior using scientific methods
Which of the following statements is characteristic of pseudoscience?
Inability to contest or question findings
What distinguishes popular psychology from scientific psychology?
Validation through peer-reviewed research
Which factor contributes to the growth of popular psychology industry?
Public access to psychological knowledge
What is a key responsibility when it comes to psychological information according to the text?
Distinguish between scientific information and misinformation
Why are some claims considered pseudoscientific in nature?
Due to the presence of ad hoc immunizing hypothesis
What is essential to differentiating between popular and scientific psychology?
Peer-reviewed validation of psychological claims
Which term describes the approach to knowledge that relies on a systematic method of generating hypotheses, collecting data, and explaining the data?
Scientific Method
What do good scientists avoid using when describing their findings, displaying humility in the process?
Proof
Which characteristic involves changing one's strongly held views in the face of evidence suggesting those views might be inaccurate?
Open-Mindedness
In the scientific method, what term refers to obtaining information in a manner that is free from biases?
Objectivity
What does communalism, as mentioned by Merton, encourage scientists to do with their findings?
Share openly
Which term refers to accepting findings as accurate only after they have been verified repeatedly?
Verified certainty
What is the main reason psychologists engage in research according to the text?
To study why people behave the way they do
Which fallacy is related to the concept of 'black or white' reasoning in psychological research?
Either-Or fallacy
In the context of psychological research, what does the Bandwagon fallacy suggest?
Majority belief determines truth
Which component is fundamental to the scientific method according to the text?
Being open-minded to data
What is a significant danger associated with pseudoscience as mentioned in the text?
Causing direct harm to individuals
Why is it important for psychologists to be open-minded to data according to the text?
To ensure validity of research findings
What is an impostor of science that cannot be measured scientifically?
Pseudoscience
Which statement is an example of misinformation highlighted in the text?
People use 20% of their brain capacity
What responsibility do individuals have concerning psychological information?
To distinguish between scientific information and misinformation
What is a common misconception often portrayed by the media regarding psychology?
People with schizophrenia always have multiple personalities
What is one key aspect that makes pseudoscience distinct from science?
It does not rely on empirical evidence
Which of the following reflects a misconception often spread about brain capacity?
Most people use only 10% of their brain capacity
Study Notes
Thinking Traps and Biases
- Emotional reasoning fallacy: using emotions to evaluate information, ignoring data that contradicts preconceived notions
- Bandwagon fallacy: believing something because many people do, without considering evidence
- Either-Or fallacy: assuming only two alternatives exist, promoting black-and-white reasoning
- Not me fallacy: thinking one is immune to errors because they are familiar with the scientific method
Dangers of Pseudoscience
- Costly: seeking ineffective treatments, wasting resources
- Animal deaths: promoting animal testing for unproven treatments, leading to animal extinction
- Direct harm: harmful treatments can cause harm to individuals
Importance of Psychological Research
- Understanding human behavior and why people act in certain ways
- Psychology is a science, using the scientific method to explain human behavior
Science and Pseudoscience
- Science is an approach to evidence, not a body of knowledge
- Pseudoscience appears scientific but lacks empirical evidence, often promoting metaphysical claims
Characteristics of the Scientific Method
- Accuracy: gathering and evaluating information carefully and precisely
- Objectivity: obtaining information free from biases
- Skepticism: considering information carefully and accepting findings only after verification
- Open-Mindedness: changing views in the face of new evidence
Psychology vs. Popular Psychology
- Popular psychology often misinforms the public, making it essential to distinguish between scientific information and misinformation
Test your knowledge on common critical thinking fallacies such as emotional reasoning, bandwagon, and either-or fallacy. Learn to recognize these thinking traps and improve your ability to make rational decisions.
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