Psychology

Pseudoscience

Pseudosciences

• What are Pseudoscience's?Pseudoscience is a claim, belief, or practice which is

presented as scientific. Pseudoscience is often characterized by the use of vague, exaggerated or unprovable claims.

Why are they Pseudoscience's?

They do not adhere to a valid scientific method. lacks supporting evidence or plausibility, cannot be reliably tested, or otherwise lacks scientific status.

Can you list 3 Pseudoscience's?

1.Phrenology2.Graphology3.Astrology

4.Numerology5.Psychics

Phrenology

• Phrenology is a pseudoscience primarily focused on measurements of the human skull, based on the concept that the brain is the organ of the mind, and that certain brain areas have localized, specific functions or modules

Graphology

• Graphology is the pseudoscientific study and analysis of handwriting, especially in relation to human psychology. In the medical field, it can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system.

Numerology

Numerology is the study of the (hidden) significance of numbers and letters.

Astrology• Astrology consists of a number of belief systems

which hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world.

• Looking at the stars.• Barnum Effect: the tendency to agree with

statements that are general and vague.

Psychics• is a person who professes an ability to perceive

information hidden from the normal senses through extrasensory perception (ESP), or is said by others to have such abilities.

• Can read the future or communicate with those that have passed away.

Psychologists use the scientific method which is a controlled approach to planning, conducting and reporting research.

Refer to handout.....

The scientific method involves1. gathering and interpreting empirical evidence

(data/information collected through observation and measurement) This helps psychologists draw conclusions.

2. Reporting the findings.