Psychology: Popular vs. Science

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Questions and Answers

Which statement correctly differentiates scientific psychology from pseudoscience?

Scientific psychology avoids peer review, while pseudoscience embraces it.

Scientific psychology demonstrates emotional reasoning, while pseudoscience relies on logical reasoning.

Scientific psychology is based on measurable claims, while pseudoscience often makes unmeasurable claims. (correct)

Scientific psychology typically disregards previous research, while pseudoscience builds on established findings.

What is a common misconception about schizophrenia as per popular psychology?

People with schizophrenia are dangerous and violent.

Schizophrenia is only found in adults.

Schizophrenia can be easily cured with medication.

Individuals with schizophrenia always exhibit multiple personalities. (correct)

What is a characteristic of pseudoscience when presenting claims?

Pseudoscience mostly avoids emotional content in its arguments.

Pseudoscience consistently provides detailed research outcomes.

Pseudoscience typically uses ambiguous and non-specific language. (correct)

Pseudoscience often builds on established scientific theories.

Which reasoning method is associated with pseudoscience?

Intuitive reasoning that relies on emotions and gut feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the popular psychology industry is true?

It has led to an increase in misinformation among the public. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes claims that cannot be measured scientifically?

Metaphysical claims Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indication that a claim is likely pseudoscientific?

It engages in ad hoc immunizing hypotheses to justify its findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable claim often misrepresented in popular psychology regarding brain usage?

Most people use less than 10% of their brain capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of psychology according to the content provided?

To describe, explain, predict, and control behaviours Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the scientific method emphasizes gathering information in a precise and error-free manner?

Accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What does skepticism in the scientific process entail?

Carefully considering information before accepting it Signup and view all the answers

How do good scientists maintain objectivity in their work?

By obtaining information free from biases Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by open-mindedness in scientific research?

Changing strongly held views in light of new evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a common misconception in understanding human behaviour?

Shaving hair causes it to grow back thicker and faster Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes scientific conclusions from those based on common sense?

Scientific conclusions are based on evidence and systematic methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements would be considered a weakness of relying on common sense to understand human behavior?

Common sense often leads to contradictory conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What psychological mechanism causes individuals to see meaningful patterns in random stimuli?

Pareidolia Signup and view all the answers

Why do individuals often accept pseudoscience according to the content?

They are looking for hope and answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the emotional reasoning fallacy?

Using emotions to determine the validity of information. Signup and view all the answers

Which fallacy involves thinking that one is immune to making errors because of exposure to scientific methods?

Not me fallacy Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the dangers of pseudoscience mentioned in the content?

It can lead to direct harm to individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What approach do scientists take when conducting research?

A process oriented towards evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What causes common misconceptions about reality in regards to psychology?

Our brain's tendency to find patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of following pseudoscientific practices regarding animal treatment?

Higher rates of extinction and animal suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of naïve realism as described in the content?

Trusting intuitive feelings without verification. Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive bias involves the tendency to only seek out information that confirms existing beliefs?

Confirmation bias Signup and view all the answers

What does the availability heuristic lead individuals to emphasize?

Recent or memorable events Signup and view all the answers

What is one way common sense can be beneficial, according to the content?

It aids in assessing the trustworthiness of others. Signup and view all the answers

Which bias refers to the overestimation of one's ability to predict past outcomes?

Hindsight bias Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a danger of relying solely on intuitive thought?

It can lead to misleading conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

Which heuristic describes placing items in the same category based on superficial similarities?

Representative heuristic Signup and view all the answers

What can help individuals become more informed decision-makers?

Equipping themselves with critical thinking tools Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Popular Vs Science Psychology

Popular psychology often misinforms the public, and it's important to distinguish between scientific and unscientific claims.

Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience appears to be science but isn't. It cannot be measured scientifically
Pseudoscience claims are often overstated and tend to avoid peer review.

Why We Believe In Pseudoscience

We process information rationally and emotionally.
Fears about life can lead us to pseudoscience for hope.
Many are scientifically illiterate, making them vulnerable to pseudoscience.
Our brains seek patterns, but this can lead to finding patterns that aren't there.

Thinking Traps

Emotional reasoning fallacy: using emotions to evaluate information.
Bandwagon fallacy: believing something because many believe it.
Either-or fallacy: falsely reducing complex issues to two options.
Not me fallacy: believing we're immune to errors because we're familiar with science.

The Dangers of Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience can be costly for consumers who seek it instead of effective treatments.
Pseudoscience can lead to animal deaths, especially in ineffective treatments.
Pseudoscience can directly harm individuals through ineffective treatments.

Why Do Psychological Research?

Psychologists conduct research to understand human behavior.
Psychological research is scientific.

Science

Science is an approach to evidence, not just bodies of knowledge.
Scientists are open in sharing findings and seek objectivity to avoid biases.

The Scientific Method

This approach uses hypotheses, data collection, and explanation of data.
Scientists use phrases like "suggests," "appears," and "raises the possibility" to emphasize the need for verification.
The Scientific method values accuracy, objectivity, skepticism, and open-mindedness.

Psychology and Common Sense

While common sense can be helpful, it's not always scientifically accurate.
Intuition can be flawed and our "naïve realism" can lead us to trust it blindly.

Errors Made When Using Common Sense

Cognitive biases: logical errors in thinking.
Confirmation bias: favoring information that confirms existing beliefs.
Belief perseverance: holding onto beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
Hindsight bias: overestimating the predictability of past events.
Overconfidence: overestimating our ability to make accurate predictions.
Heuristics: mental shortcuts.
Representative heuristic: classifying things based on superficial similarity.
Availability heuristic: overestimating memorable events as more likely.

Scientific Method vs. Common Sense

While common sense can offer helpful insights, it's important to be cautious and recognize its limitations.
Critical thinking skills help us distinguish between reliable and misleading information.

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Description

Explore the critical distinctions between popular psychology and scientific psychology. This quiz covers pseudoscience, emotional reasoning fallacies, and the cognitive traps that lead people to believe in unscientific claims. Test your knowledge on how to identify and combat misinformation in psychology.