Psych 105 - It's a Big Misunderstanding

Question 1

How have views of psychology changed over time? How have they stayed the same?

Answer 1

People still see it as a “soft” or not real science

83% of Americans believe that daily life experiences provide adequate training in psychology!

Question 2

Why is it that the news media is not a good source for scientific truth?

Answer 2

What’s an opinion & what’s evidence based not always clear.

Question 3

How does the entertainment media create and support misunderstandings of patients/clients?

Answer 3

Portrays psychologists as people who need assistance w/their own corrupt/mind controlling.

Examples: Dr. Wonderful, Dr. Rigid, Dr. Evil, Dr. Line Crosser

Question 4

How does the entertainment media create and support misunderstandings of psychology careers and research?

Answer 4

White, male, glasses balding, diploma.

Media focuses on clincial and counseling psychology. Not all jobs are applied jobs some are in research. Not all paths need advanced degrees.

Confusion with psuedoscience

Question 5

What is the publix paradox?

Answer 5

Although many people seem to want psychology to help them and to benefit their lives, they do not want psychology informing their lives.

For example, people want psychology to help them address
important questions like, am I normal? How do I make good life decisions? How do I find happiness? And how do I find true love?