Rick Froman wrote: > Student beliefs in these concepts do violate the naturalistic assumptions of scientific psychologists. > Belief in these phenomena would indicate a repudiation of the most basic assumptions of scientific > psychology. How could a person study scientific psychology while believing in supernatural explanations > for psychiatric disorders (demon possession?), dreams (prophecy?), ghosts, and ESP?
Rick, I honestly feel that if a student has gone through 4 years of education in psychology and still believes in these things, you'd be justified in not writing a letter of recommendation supporting that student's entry into a graduate program in psychology. Letters of recommendation are the opinion of the writer (as opposed to the "objective" material on the transcript) and are designed to get at facets of the student that the transcript does not convey. If a prof feels that a student must accept evolution as part of being a good doctor, he is justified in not writing a letter of support for a student who does not accept that. I would have grave reservations about recommending a student for grad school who was so untouched by my program that he/she could get through it still believing in demonic possession, prophecy, ghosts, and ESP. I'd like to turn things around for a moment. I grew up Catholic. I can accurately describe the Catholic position on most issues and discuss why Catholics believe as they do. I do not, however, believe that stuff anymore. Would anyone feel comfortable writing a letter supporting my entry into seminary? Would you allow me to preach in your church? Should I be able to *make* you write me such a letter? Respectfully, Larry ************************************************************ Larry Z. Daily Assistant Professor of Psychology Director, Honors Program Department of Psychology White Hall, Room 213 Shepherd College Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443 Psychology phone: (304) 876-5297 Honors phone: (304) 876-5244 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] WWW: http://webpages.shepherd.edu/LDAILY/index.html --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
