Transcript Real vs. Pop

Real vs. Pop Psychology
Ways of Knowing
• Non-Empirical
– Authority
– Logic
• Empirical
– Intuition/Common Sense
– Scientific Method
Authority
• Ask someone who should know about the area:
Ask the Surgeon General about smoking
Ask Dr. Laura about relationships
Ask Dean Ornish about diet
• However, for every “authority” who says to do
it one way, you have another “authority” who
says you’d be an idiot to do it that way.
Logic
• Logical premises make it possible for
deduction to be reached. This is a fine place
to start, but not enough to base fact upon.
• If testable, the logical method sets a
foundation upon which to build hypotheses.
These, however, should still be subjected to
empirical testing.
Intuition/Common Sense
• Our intuition and common sense are based
upon our experiences and learning history
as well as an innate programming.
• While common sense may help us get
through our day and avoid many pitfalls, it
does not provide the basis of developing
new knowledge.
The Scientific Method
• Empirical: Direct systematized observations
• Objective: Unbiased, critical, doubting
• Self-Correcting: Because it is objective, new data
are easily introduced and theories revised
• Progressive: True science advances theory
• Tentative: Questions are never presumed to be
completely answered
• Parsimonious: Establishes the most
concise explanation
Assumptions of the Scientific
Method
• Reality: Assume a non-existential view that the world
exists
• Rationality: The world operates on reasoned
principles
• Regularity: The principles that govern the world
remain consistent
• Discoverability: There are answers that remain to be
uncovered
• Causality: Every event has it’s cause
How do you operate on a
Scientific Level?
• What do you do that plays the odds?
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Driving fast
Getting an education
Going for regular physical exams
Restricting your intake of eggs
How do you operate on a NonScientific Level?
• What do you do that has no scientific merit
behind it?
– Superstitions
– Getting yourself upset because
someone else “should” have done
something
– making attributions or judgements
about others
Mental Health Practitioners
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Clinical Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Nurse
Clinical Social Worker
Masters Level Counselor
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Marriage and Family Therapist
Clinical Pastoral Counselor