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
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