Chapter 9: Psychology as a
science
Psychology as Science
• Science is an approach to evidence, a toolbox of skills designed to prevent us from fooling ourselves
• Strive to think scientifically — think in ways that minimise errors
- Become aware of your biases
- Use the tools of the scientific method to try to overcome them
Confirmation bias: the tendency to seek out evidence that support our hypothesis and neglect or distort
contradicting evidence
Belief perseverance: the tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them
What is a Scientific Theory?
• A scientific theory is an explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world, including the
psychological world
• Scientists call a testable prediction a hypothesis
The pyramids of evidence
a) Science b) Pseudoscience:
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses I just know!!!
Randomised controlled double blind studies Read it on Google
Cohort studies Intuition
Case control studies Greenmedinfo
Case series Friend’s neighbour told me
Case reports PubMed Article from 1956
Ideas, editorials, opinions Anti-vaccine doctor on YouTube
Animal research Mercola said it once
In vitro (test tube) research I really want it to be
science
Psychology as Science
• Science is an approach to evidence, a toolbox of skills designed to prevent us from fooling ourselves
• Strive to think scientifically — think in ways that minimise errors
- Become aware of your biases
- Use the tools of the scientific method to try to overcome them
Confirmation bias: the tendency to seek out evidence that support our hypothesis and neglect or distort
contradicting evidence
Belief perseverance: the tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them
What is a Scientific Theory?
• A scientific theory is an explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world, including the
psychological world
• Scientists call a testable prediction a hypothesis
The pyramids of evidence
a) Science b) Pseudoscience:
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses I just know!!!
Randomised controlled double blind studies Read it on Google
Cohort studies Intuition
Case control studies Greenmedinfo
Case series Friend’s neighbour told me
Case reports PubMed Article from 1956
Ideas, editorials, opinions Anti-vaccine doctor on YouTube
Animal research Mercola said it once
In vitro (test tube) research I really want it to be
