Investigating Pop Psychology

Description

Investigating Pop Psychology provides the basic tools required to make evidence-informed decisions and thoughtfully distinguish science from pseudoscience through the application of scientific skepticism. Psychologists conduct scientific investigations into a lot of strange things including alien encounters, horoscopes, dream interpretation, superstition, and extrasensory perception (ESP). Through a digestible, open-minded format combined with relevant and topical case studies such as energy psychology, demonic possession, and horoscopes, this book offers an engaging read which encourages students to think critically about the information they are exposed to during their academic careers and beyond. By taking a fresh look into investigations regarding pseudoscience and fringe science in pop psychology, it celebrates the science of psychology while also providing warnings about the problem of pseudoscience in pop psychology. Providing tips on how to consider evidence regarding the strength of claims in pop psychology, Investigating Pop Psychology is an ideal resource for undergraduate introductory psychology students and for students studying science and pseudoscience. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Introduction to the Investigating Psychology Pseudoscience Series Other Books Contributors Preface Acknowledgments 1. Examining Claims in Pop Psychology Examining the Claims Everything In Between (the Demarcation Problem) Critical Thinking About Claims Extraordinary Evidence: The Sagan Standard Sources of False Beliefs: The Faker's Dozen Hallmarks of False Claims: The Mucky Seven Get to Know the Chapter Authors Summary and Conclusion References 2. Phrenology and Neuroscience Examining the Claims Pop Psychology, Pop Culture, and Public Perception The Evidence Thinking - Really Thinking! - About Phrenology Understanding Beliefs Phrenology and Racism Summary and Conclusion References 3. Extrasensory Perception, Psychokinesis, and Sensation Examining the Claims Evidence for the Paranormal Reasons for Skepticism Understanding Beliefs Summary and Conclusion References 4. Dream Interpretation and Consciousness Examining the Claims A Brief History of Dream Interpretation Research on Dreams and Dreaming Summary and Conclusion References 5. Superstition and Learning Examining the Claims Socially Shared Superstitions Personal Superstitions Superstitious Beliefs Do Superstitions Work? Summary and Conclusion References 6. Alien Encounters and Memory Examining the Claims The Evidence Alternative Explanations Hypnotherapy Sleep Paralysis False Memories Summary and Conclusion References 7. Learning Styles and Cognition Examining the Claims Pop Psychology, Pop Culture, and Public Perception The Evidence Understanding Beliefs What's the Harm? Summary and Conclusion Note References 8. Brain Training and Intelligence Examining the Claims What Is Brain Training? Improving Abilities Staving Off Cognitive Decline Brain Training Products and Media Perception Brain Training Research Limitations for Consideration Questions to Consider Summary and Conclusion References 9. Psychosexual Stages and Development Examining the Claims Pop Psychology, Pop Culture, and Public Perception The Evidence Understanding Beliefs Summary and Conclusion References 10. Horoscopes and Emotion Examining the Claims Pop Psychology, Pop Culture, and Public Perception The Evidence Understanding Beliefs Summary and Conclusion References 11. Spectrophilia and Sexuality Examining the Claims Mythology and Folklore Popular Culture Modern Accounts of Spectrophilia Natural Explanations for Supernatural Claims Summary and Conclusion References 12. Alternative Medicine and Health Examining the Claims Natural Medicine Holistic Medicine Ancient Medicine The Example of Homeopathy Summary and Conclusion References 13. Selling Flimflam and Social Influences Examining the Claims Phantom Dreams Story-Telling: The Invented Ruse Tailored Pitches Source Credibility and Authority Social Consensus and Social Identity Scarcity Information Control: False Accusations, Projection, and Doubt Campaigns Self-Generated Persuasion Commitment The Rationalization Trap Summary and Conclusion References 14. Projective Tests and Personality Examining the Claims Rorschach Ink Blot Test Draw-a-Person Test Thematic Apperception Test Why Do Projective Tests Continue to Be Used? Summary and Conclusion References 15. Demonic Possession and Disorders Examining the Claims Pop Psychology, Pop Culture, and Public Perception The Evidence Understanding Beliefs Summary and Conclusion References 16. Energy Psychology and Therapy Examining the Claims Proposed Therapeutic Mechanisms Energy Psychology in Popular Culture A Review of the Evidence Understanding Beliefs What Is the Harm? Summary and Conclusion References Postscript: How to Resist False Claims Remember the Basics of Evaluating Claims Ask Questions Have a Plan for Evaluating Claims in Order to Keep an Open Mind Exit the Rationalization Trap Summary and Conclusion References Index