Critical Thinking in Psychology: Separating Sense from Nonsense

Description

Can your students distinguish between the true science of human thought and behavior and pop psychology? CRITICAL THINKING IN PSYCHOLOGY: SEPARATING SENSE FROM NONSENSE provides a tangible and compelling framework for making that distinction by using concrete examples of people's mistaken analysis of real-world problems. Stressing the importance of assessing the plausibility of claims, John Ruscio uses empirical research (such as the Milgram experiment) to strengthen evidence for his claims and to illustrate deception, self-deception, and psychological tricks throughout the text. Contents: Part 1: Deception Introduction: Pseudoscience and the Need for Critical Thinking Science: Evaluating Claims to Knowledge Language: Misleading and Evasive Tactics Magic: The Allure of Exotic Rituals, Fantasy, and Mysticism Authority: Appeals to Blind Obedience Part 2: Self-Deception Experience: The Limitations of Testimonials as Evidence Plausibility: All Beliefs Are Not Created Equal Association: Establishing and Interpreting Correlations Part 3: Psychological Tricks Risk: Biased Perceptions and the Media Paradox Belief: Confirmation Bias, Post-Hockery, and Overconfidence Schemes: The Seductiveness of Grand Conspiracy Theories Illusions: The Perception of Control Part 4: Decision Making and Ethics Assessment: Classical Decision Theory Decisions: Clinical Versus Statistical Approaches Ethics: The Use and Promotion of Unverified Treatments Tools: Suggestions for Critical Thinking