Stanovich How To Think Straight About Psychology Summary

Modern psychology is a large scientific study of the human mind and how it functions. This particular strand of science focuses on how the functions of the mind affect behavior. Most modern psychologists seek to understand behavior by means of using scientific methods. In How to Think Straight about Psychology by Dr. Keith E. Stanovich, the professor helps readers to distinguish between true psychological research and fake pseudoscientific theories. Dr. Stanovich also examines how psychologists use and misuse experimental and correlational research data. Modern psychologists are not enamored by the work of Sigmund Freud who felt that case studies and introspection could substantiate the correctness or falsity of scientific theories. Instead, modern psychologists ensure that they use a database of results that can be replicated. In fact, modern psychologists strive to comprehend behavior using scientific methods. The incredibly diverse psychology field consists of fifty-three divisions. Psychology does not focus on finding a way to unite the wide field. Instead, focus is placed upon the methods which psychologists use for a
greater understanding of human behavior by using scientific methods. Psychology varies from the other behavioral fields in two things of which psychologists are positive. Behavioral conclusions must come from scientific evidence that is produced by scientific methods of testing. Therefore, psychology is a data-driven and scientific study of human behavior. Three interrelated components help define science.
These components are systematic empiricism, public knowledge production, and the study of solvable problems. Theory-driven scientific observations test varied explanations about the world and its very nature. Some theories are supported while others are rejected based upon the outcomes of observation. In addition, scientists long for theories that are testable or solvable. The sequence involved in empirically solving problems is taking a typical theory and making a prediction about what will happen. Then the theory is tested, and modifications are made to adjust the theory based upon the scientific data collected. Psychology has many examples of unsolvable questions becoming solvable situations. Psychology is a science that takes a puzzle and turns it into a testable
problem. In our daily life, we are overcome with words of advice from parents and other mentors. Much of this time, our advice comes as parables, folk wisdom, and pleas to use one’s common sense. When these proverbs are empirically tested, many are determined to be incorrect. For instance, many teenagers are encouraged to grow up and show responsibility by seeking employment while still in high school. By doing so, it is thought that the teens will develop a good work ethic while furthering their education and developing an appreciation for the value of a dollar and helping the economy. Greenberger and Steinberg determined in 1986 studies that working actually did help the economy. However, the teens tended to purchase lavish, unnecessary items that were unneeded instead of starting a savings account. In addition, they determined that working promoted delinquent behavior. In addition to the above incorrect folk beliefs, Gage and Berliner disputed other common sense thoughts believed and quoted quite frequently in today’s society. For instance, academically advanced students who enjoy reading are not always introverts who are rejected by their peers. Instead, they are more accepted by their classmates. Will and Winglee determined in 1990 that high academic achievers are more likely to participate in hiking, camping, jogging, playing sports, and car repair. Baumeister in 1999 and Baumeister, Boden and Smart in 1996 and Baumeister, Bushman and Campbell in 2000 all concluded the folk belief of 1980s and 1990s that low self-esteem caused aggression. Indeed, the opposite was proven to be the case over and over again. Aggression is linked instead with high self-esteem. Furthermore, Kahne, Ruggiero and Stout all determined between 1996 and 2000 that high academic performance in school leads to increased self-esteem. Most people agree that psychology is a relatively young science. Some people tout psychology as the science that people do not need to learn. These people are frightened by the scientific data that is derived during empirical investigations. In 2000, O’Donnell and Levin shared that a school board did not want to know the results of a study about whether students in a multi-aged K-2 classroom performed better than a more traditional classroom. The results of that study could have changed the face of education for the future! While educators were frightened of the results, parents might have considered the results to be enlightening. Since scientists deal with testable theories and problems to be solved, theories must be left vulnerable to being proven false. This falsifiability criterion ironically brings to mind some words of folk wisdom. Children are taught from a young age that it is okay to make a mistake. However, they should learn from their mistakes. The falsifiability criterion allows for this learning curve to exist in the scientific realm as well. A theory must be open to the possibility that it can be proven false. If this happens, the theory can be modified, or a new theory might even be born. Allowing for this possibility of progress is what the scientific method promotes. In addition, the more specific and detailed predictions are, the higher the likelihood that the hypotheses can be disputed. Indeed, the best theories leave themselves vulnerable to falsification. Bad theories do not allow for this falsification. Sigmund Freud’s failure to allow for the falsifiability led to the death of the majority of most of his work in the minds of many