Pseudoscience in Mental Health

Catalog description

Have you ever wondered whether polygraphs (lie detectors) are valid assessments? Or why inkblots are thought to be useful tests for psychopathology? Or if multiple personality disorder actually exists? And if these ideas are misconstrued or false, why do so many people believe them? This course focuses on distinguishing pseudoscientific claims from scientific claims in clinical psychology. We will evaluate popular, and oftentimes controversial, methods, assessments, and treatments within the field of clinical science. Grounded in the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and research methods, students will sharpen critical thinking skills by evaluating pseudoscientific claims and learning to identify the characteristic features that distinguish pseudoscience and science. We will discuss the psychological issues associated with theories and practices such as false memories, projective testing, facilitated communication, the use of expert testimony, dissociative identity disorder, and harmful or unsupported treatments for psychiatric disorders. Additionally students will complete a semester long research project associated with pseudoscience in mental health. In groups, students will design and run their own experiments and present these data at the end of the semester. Prereq: PSCL 282 .