Debunking Psuedoscience in Psychology
One Section Available to Choose From:
| Course Dates | Weeks | Meeting Times | Status | Instructor(s) | CRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 08, 2013 - July 12, 2013 | 1 | M-F 12:45-3:35P | Waitlisted | Madhavi Reddy | 10448 |
Course Description
The intended goal of this course is to introduce beginning scholars to the science of human behavior so they may learn how to apply critical thinking to the study of psychology. The course will introduce popular myths and provide research evidence to the contrary. Additionally, students will explore why these specific myths persist in popular culture and how to distinguish scientific fact from fiction.
This course will focus on specific contemporary myths that abound in popular culture such as opposites attract or that humans only use 10% brain power. Unfortunately, popular psychology has produced a number of myths and misconceptions that "everyone knows are true" even though psychological research contradicts them. Not only will students review scientific evidence that proves these myths are false, they will be introduced to how myths and misconceptions arise so that they may begin to learn how to decipher scientific fact from fiction. The ability to critically think and apply logic to the study of human behavior will provide a framework for pursuing further studies in psychology. These skills are a necessary ingredient in the pursuit of science.
By the end of this course, students should be able to state at least 5 reasons why and understand the underlying psychological processes about how myths and misconceptions flourish in popular psychology. They will also be able to objectively assess whether enough scientific evidence exists to determine whether a popular notion is true or false.