Can your students distinguish between the true science of human thought and behavior and pop psychology? CRITICAL
THINKING IN PSYCHOLOGY: SEPARATING SENSE FROM NONSENSE provides a tangible and compelling framework for making
that distinction by using concrete examples of people's mistaken analysis of real-world problems. Stressing the
importance of assessing the plausibility of claims, John Ruscio uses empirical research (such as the Milgram experiment)
to strengthen evidence for his claims and to illustrate deception, self-deception, and psychological tricks throughout
the text.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Pseudoscience and the Need for Critical Thinking.
2. Science: Evaluating Claims to Knowledge.
3. Language: Misleading and Evasive Tactics.
4. Magic: The Allure of Exotic Rituals, Fantasy, and Mysticism.
5. Authority: Appeals to Blind Obedience.
6. Experience: The Limitations of Testimonials as Evidence.
7. Plausibility: All Beliefs Are Not Created Equal.
8. Association: Establishing and Interpreting Correlations.
9. Risk: Biased Perceptions and the Media Paradox.
10. Belief: Confirmation Bias, Post-Hockery, and Overconfidence.
11. Schemes: The Seductiveness of Grand Conspiracy Theories.
12. Illusions: The Perception of Control.
13. Assessment: Classical Decision Theory.
14. Decisions: Clinical Vs. Statistical Approaches.
15. Ethics: The Use and Promotion of Unverified Treatments.
16. Tools: Suggestions for Critical Thinking.
