Psychology: Thinking Critically With Psychological Science

Thinking Critically With Psychological Science (Chapter 1, Modules 1-3)

Chapter Overview

  • Module 1: The History and Scope of Psychology

  • Module 2: Research Strategies: How Psychologists Ask and Answer Questions

  • Module 3: Statistical Reasoning in Everyday Life

Module 1: The History and Scope of Psychology

Psychology Is a Science

  • Definition: Psychology is a science driven by a passion for exploring and understanding phenomena without misleading or being misled.

  • Requirements for Scientific Inquiry:

    • Scientific Attitude: Being skeptical but not cynical, and open-minded but not gullible.

    • Humility: Awareness of one's vulnerability to error and openness to new perspectives.

Critical Thinking

  • Relationship to Scientific Attitude: Curiosity + Skepticism + Humility prepares individuals to think smarter.

  • Smart Thinking (Critical Thinking) Involves:

    • Examining assumptions.

    • Appraising the source of information.

    • Discerning hidden biases.

    • Evaluating evidence.

    • Assessing conclusions.

  • Benefit: Critical thinking, informed by science, helps to check personal biases.

Psychological Science Is Born

  • Early Inquiries: Aristotle was an early pioneer in asking fundamental questions about the mind.

  • Psychology's First Laboratory:

    • Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first psychology laboratory, focusing on the