PSY 657
Unit 1
Metathoughts
One of the biggest errors in critical thinking is the belief perseverance effect. It is our tendency
to cling to our beliefs even in the face of contrary evidence. We even use discontinuing evidence
to bolster our beliefs.
Memory is about content vs critical thinking is about process.
The evaluative bias of language
We use words to describe (objective) and evaluate or prescribe (subjective).
When you describe someone’s personality you can’t help but reveal who you are! The words
you use reflect your own values. Words are frequently used to persuade others.
Think about these examples:
Manipulative vs. persuasive
Greedy vs. ambitious
Pushy vs. assertive
Ruthless vs. tenacious
Exhibitionistic vs. outgoing
The Reification Error
In treating an abstract concept what we call a construct with an actual object, an observable
thing, confusing a hypothetical concept as if it were a tangible thing is called a Reification error
(comparing apples with existentialism).
It is tempting to view an abstract concept as if it were a concrete object.
Example Self-esteem, the unconscious, ego
, Self-esteem isn’t a thing, that anybody has, there’s no mass, volume, etc. it is an idea, a concept.
Constructs are human made ideas designed to represent our ideas about things we can’t see
directly. (Like gravity)
Events are phenomena that are observable or have the potential to be observed.
Like mind and brain! Mind is a concept! In some languages the word mind doesn’t even exist. So
technically there are no mental illnesses, it’s a metaphor! Every psychological event has a
neurological correlate but differences in neurochemistry isn’t the same as disease. Falling in
love is no less chemical than Prozac.
Event theory explanations that allow for direct measurement.
Like answers to questions with measurable solutions and can be verified and translated into fact
and have the potential for true or false distinctions.
Ex Who shot Kennedy?
Hypothesis based on “E” theory Oswald shot Kennedy.
Construct Theory Not directly measurable because their explanations are intangible.
Can never be proven (just because something can’t be disproved doesn’t mean it’s true).
While we can cite examples of constructs in our world doesn’t mean we can directly observe
them. We can see the apple falling but can’t see gravity.
In sociology, psychology, etc. we use construct theories mostly whereas in law, ... we use event
theories.
Critical evaluation of theories:
Evaluate E theories based on their:
- Accuracy
- Potential to lead an actual answer
Evaluate C theories based on their:
- Utility/usefulness
- Ability to provide meaningful explanations of abstract ideas that can’t be operationalized
Unit 1
Metathoughts
One of the biggest errors in critical thinking is the belief perseverance effect. It is our tendency
to cling to our beliefs even in the face of contrary evidence. We even use discontinuing evidence
to bolster our beliefs.
Memory is about content vs critical thinking is about process.
The evaluative bias of language
We use words to describe (objective) and evaluate or prescribe (subjective).
When you describe someone’s personality you can’t help but reveal who you are! The words
you use reflect your own values. Words are frequently used to persuade others.
Think about these examples:
Manipulative vs. persuasive
Greedy vs. ambitious
Pushy vs. assertive
Ruthless vs. tenacious
Exhibitionistic vs. outgoing
The Reification Error
In treating an abstract concept what we call a construct with an actual object, an observable
thing, confusing a hypothetical concept as if it were a tangible thing is called a Reification error
(comparing apples with existentialism).
It is tempting to view an abstract concept as if it were a concrete object.
Example Self-esteem, the unconscious, ego
, Self-esteem isn’t a thing, that anybody has, there’s no mass, volume, etc. it is an idea, a concept.
Constructs are human made ideas designed to represent our ideas about things we can’t see
directly. (Like gravity)
Events are phenomena that are observable or have the potential to be observed.
Like mind and brain! Mind is a concept! In some languages the word mind doesn’t even exist. So
technically there are no mental illnesses, it’s a metaphor! Every psychological event has a
neurological correlate but differences in neurochemistry isn’t the same as disease. Falling in
love is no less chemical than Prozac.
Event theory explanations that allow for direct measurement.
Like answers to questions with measurable solutions and can be verified and translated into fact
and have the potential for true or false distinctions.
Ex Who shot Kennedy?
Hypothesis based on “E” theory Oswald shot Kennedy.
Construct Theory Not directly measurable because their explanations are intangible.
Can never be proven (just because something can’t be disproved doesn’t mean it’s true).
While we can cite examples of constructs in our world doesn’t mean we can directly observe
them. We can see the apple falling but can’t see gravity.
In sociology, psychology, etc. we use construct theories mostly whereas in law, ... we use event
theories.
Critical evaluation of theories:
Evaluate E theories based on their:
- Accuracy
- Potential to lead an actual answer
Evaluate C theories based on their:
- Utility/usefulness
- Ability to provide meaningful explanations of abstract ideas that can’t be operationalized
