Pseudopsychology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is pseudopsychology?

A method of psychological evaluation

Any false & unscientific systems of beliefs and practices that is offered as an explanation of behavior (correct)

A valid psychological theory

Scientific study of the mind

What is superstition?

Unfounded belief held without evidence in spite of falsifying evidence

What does phrenology claim?

Personality traits are revealed by the shape of the skull

What does palmistry involve?

Claims lines on the hand reveal personality traits & predict the future Signup and view all the answers

What does astrology suggest about personality traits?

The position of the stars & planets at the time of one's birth determines personality traits & affects behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is uncritical acceptance?

Tendency to believe claims because they seem true or be nice if they were true Signup and view all the answers

What is confirmation bias?

Tendency to remember or notice info that fits one's expectations but to forget discrepancies Signup and view all the answers

What is the Barnum effect?

Tendency to consider a personal description accurate if it is stated in general terms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pseudopsychology Overview

Pseudopsychology refers to false, unscientific belief systems that aim to explain human behavior without reliable evidence.

Concepts in Pseudopsychology

Superstition: Beliefs held without evidence, often maintained even when contradicting evidence exists.
Phrenology: Developed by Franz Gall, this theory suggests that an individual's personality traits can be inferred from the shape of their skull.
Palmistry: A discredited practice claiming that the lines on a person's palm can reveal their personality characteristics and predict future events.
Astrology: The belief that the positions of stars and planets at the time of birth influence personality traits and behavior.

Psychological Biases

Uncritical Acceptance: The inclination to believe claims simply because they seem plausible or appealing.
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to favor information that supports existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence.
Barnum Effect: The phenomenon where vague and general statements about personality are perceived as highly accurate by individuals.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on pseudopsychology concepts. This quiz covers various unscientific beliefs and practices, including definitions of superstitions, phrenology, and palmistry. Enhance your understanding of these intriguing topics related to false psychological theories.