I started out intro this year with a section on the scientific basis of
psychology and attempted to address some of the reasons why psychology
seems to contradict itself at times. I also stress that I am not making
this stuff up (very Dave Barry at times) - that this is based on research
and any finding I give them just might not fit all of the people all of the
time.
I begin by discussing common sense - if most people believe something or if
it seems to make sense it must be right - appeals to authority,
testimonials, etc. that people use every day to make decisions. Most of the
time when we make a decision we don't rely on past research, so we learn to
rely on these to help us with every day decision making. Or, people are
told (through advertising for example) that they are being influenced by
scientific research, but in reality, they may not be (for example, the
Mozart effect, herbals, etc.).
I also talk about scientists attempt to make objective, scientific
observations and that learning occur through a gradual accumulation of
research.
I also talk about operationalizing variables. Critical to show how so many
people can end up with so many different opinions because we all define
things differently (ask your class to define violence on TV and violent
acts in children and see the disagreement that can arise).
I think this sets the tone for the students so they can better understand
where psychology comes from.
Deb
Deborah S. Briihl There are as many
Dept. of Psychology and Counseling ways to live as
Valdosta State University there are people in
Valdosta, GA 31698-0100 this world and each
[EMAIL PROTECTED] deserve a closer
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http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl
You got so many dreams you don't know where to put them, so you better turn
a few of them loose... Fire
