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.
Part 1 Deception
- Introduction: Pseudoscience and the Need for Critical Thinking
- Science: Evaluating Claims to Knowledge
- Language: Misleading and Evasive Tactics
etc.
Part 2 Self - Deception
- Experience: The Limitations of Testimonials aa 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 jTheories
etc.
Part 4 Decision Making and Ethics
- Assessment: Classical Decision Theory
- Decisions: Clinical Versus Statistical Approaches
- Ethics: The Use and Promotion of Unverified Treatments
etc.