708 words

Correlation versus causation in psychology: common misconceptions

One of the biggest mistakes we make as individuals is to see that two things occur together and conclude that one causes the other. For instance, there is a great deal of information online and in other venues about depression and poor diet.

~4 min read

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485 words

Stanovich on intuitive psychology and the gap between belief and behavior

In How to Think Straight About Psychology, author Keith Stanovich tries to bring the reader into the human mind and help us understand ourselves and one another. In this work, he discusses how important it is to conduct experimentation so that we can compare one set of data to another.

~3 min read

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763 words

The Rorschach inkblot test and Calhoun's overcrowding study in psychology

The science of Psychology has evolved over time and certain studies have been instrumental in that evolution. Two of the more famous studies that have revolutionized the field were the Rorschach inkblot study of 1942, and the study in 1962 by Calhoun on the effects of overcrowding.

~4 min read

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3,774 words

Edmund Husserl and phenomenological psychology's humanistic critique of behaviorism

In the early-1900s, Edmund Husserl sought to provide psychology with a truly scientific basis, not by copying the physical sciences but through the description of conscious experiences.

~19 min read

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519 words

Ethical standards for forensic psychology practice

This standard for competence is essential given that forensic psychologists must keep abreast of developments in the field and ensure that their credentials are appropriate to the needs of the current population.

~3 min read

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1,010 words

Applying social psychology to school policy, workplace, and intervention programs

Applied social psychology refers to the application of social psychological theories and research to practice. Social psychology is the study of human behavior in social situations.

~6 min read

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455 words

Anorexia nervosa and the psychology of control in eating disorders

She took her cafeteria tray to a table in the corner, so she could sit by herself. Although she was in two of my classes, I had never made eye contact with the girl. I thought it might be a good idea to break the ice, so I brought my homemade lunch over to her table and sat down, introducing myself.

~3 min read

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3,035 words

The social psychology of music and personality development

Music has been acknowledged to be a universal form of communication. Even with the barriers of language, music allows the sharing of feelings, thoughts, and meanings.

~16 min read

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962 words

Operant conditioning versus humanistic psychology in Skinner's Walden Two

Maslow: So, Skinner, what are your views on behavior modification, to start this dialogue? Skinner: I think that operant conditioning has a lot to offer the world in terms of behavior modification. Behavior can be reduced to a simple analysis of stimuli and response.

~5 min read

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1,220 words

Atheism and self-esteem in clinical psychology practice

My religious orientation is one of my greatest challenges, as a therapist. I consider myself an "objectively moral atheist," which means that I do not believe in the existence of any so-called "supreme being," or "God." I believe that moral behavior can be defined, understood, taught, and practiced…

~7 min read

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