Unit name | Myths and Misconceptions about Psychology |
---|---|
Unit code | PSYC10005 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor. Lewandowsky |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit is designed to counter common misconceptions that are currently pervasive in our society and explain why they are wrong or inaccurate. Not only are popular psychology myths misleading about human nature, but they also lead many to make unwise decisions. For example, many myths are exploited by some individuals for financial gain whereas others can be dangerous or lead to injustice.
The aims of this unit are to consider common myths from a scientific perspective, and in doing so, many of the key empirical studies in the history of psychology will be covered.
On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:
Weekly lectures
Assessment and Award of Credit:
Essential
Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2010). 50 great myths of popular psychology: Shattering widespread misconceptions about human behaviour. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Recommended
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. London: Allen Lane.
Gilovich, T. (1993). How we know what isn’t so: The fallibility of human reason in everyday life. New York: Free Press.
Della Sala, S. (Ed.). (1999). Mind myths: Exploring popular assumptions about the mind and brain. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Hood, B. (2009). Supersense: From superstition to religion – the brain science of belief. London: Constable & Robinson.
Additional recommended and further reading will be made available through Blackboard