Thinking Critically About Psychology (or Anything Else)
Steps to
help you assess the claims that others make and
make judgments
that are based on good evidence
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. What am I
being asked to believe or accept?
2. What evidence is available to support the
assertion?
3. Are there alternative ways to interpret the
evidence?
4. What additional evidence would help to
evaluate the alternatives?
5. What conclusions are most reasonable? (Bernstein, 1997)
Additional Suggestions:
Be
skeptical.
Check to see
if key terms defined.
Determine if
there was a control group.
Consider the
source (expertise? reliability? bias?)
Remember
that correlation does not imply causation.
Beware of
solely anecdotal "evidence".
Testimonials or individual examples do not constitute proof
Distinguish
between observation (data) and inference (personal conclusions drawn).
Can the
finding be replicated by, others?
Beware of
oversimplification and over-generalization- beware of those with vested interests.
Make
judgments based on the preponderance of the evidence.
Recognize
that in the future you may have to
re-evaluate previous conclusions as new evidence becomes available.
Be a critical
thinker in all areas of your life.
Watch out
for:
Detect propaganda techniques. Propaganda techniques are designed to
persuade through methods other than critical thinking. Generally, the appeal is to emotions rather
than reason. Listed below are a few of
the major propaganda techniques.
THE NAME-CALLING DEVICE: Appeals to
hate and fear by labeling the source with "bad names" to draw
attention away from the evidence.
Examples: "manipulator," "crazy,' "deceitful."
GLIT'RERING GENERALITIES: Appeals to
emotions through using "good words" to draw attention away from the
ideas and evidence.
Examples:
"dramatic evidence,""conclusive,""the best,"'the most irnportant."
TESTIMONIAL- The reader is asked to
accept uncritically a position because someone important believes the position
Example:
"Dr.Knower, an expert on psychology, says that...."
CARD STACKING.
Half truths, false evidence, selective citing of evidence, and
distortion are used to confuse the issue and have the reader accept the
writer's view.
Example:
Note writers who
present only evidence that supports their view.
THE BANDWAGON: 'The reader is asked to
uncritically accept something since everyone else has.
"Everyone agrees that college
students are overly concerned about making money.'