David- I agree with you about the dismissal of the research on the whole paradigm of recovered memory and all its inherent problems. On the other hand, I doubt that Loftus is dismissed due to being "only a psychologist" (or a woman)- I don't think most of the believers in recovered memory know or care about her profession or gender. (I think it likely some might view those as valid justifications for their beliefs). I think more people believe in the psychoanalytic fluff because they like the story and it fits what they already (want to) believe about our deep seated, inherent, biological evil. I don't think they care how much data deny that interpretation. In my view it is all very sad as a statement about the impact our profession is having on the broader public consciousness (sic). It is all the more reason for teaching our majors the importance of properly investigating and analyzing the literature and data before coming to conclusions. Tim
______________________________________________ Timothy O. Shearon, PhD Albertson College of Idaho Caldwell, ID 83605 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Current courses: History and systems, Neuropsychology, Psychopharmacology, Psychology and Cinema, Advanced seminars in neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, film studies -----Original Message----- From: David Hogberg [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 5:01 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: Re: Recovered memory Tim: I agree w/ your contention that there are some holes in the arguments supporting the defendant's jury-decided guilt. What bothers me about the whole controversy, though, is the way that the term "repression" was tossed about with abandon and that people "all over the place" seem to be uncritically accepting its existence as valid. Popular belief in Freudian concepts die hard, I guess. In addition, the hard data cited by Loftus and others seems to be viewed as fluff. Is it because she's "only" a psychologist? Just wondering. DKH David K. Hogberg, PhD Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Albion College, Albion MI 49224 [EMAIL PROTECTED] home phone: 517/629-4834 --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
