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Critical Thinking in Psychology: Separating Sense from Nonsense, 2nd Edition
Starting At $79.95
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Overview
Do your students have the tools to distinguish between the true science of human thought and behavior from pop psychology? John Ruscio's book provides a tangible and compelling framework for making that distinction. Because we are inundated with "scientific" claims, the author does not merely differentiate science and pseudoscience, but goes further to teach the fundamentals of scientific reasoning on which students can base their evaluation of information.
- The principles of critical thinking are more prominent throughout the book.
- This edition more clearly addresses psychology, science, and clear thinking, especially in the first chapter.
- The table of contents has been reorganized slightly so that basic strategies come first.
- Because we are inundated with "scientific" claims, the author does not merely differentiate science and pseudoscience, but goes further to teach the fundamentals of scientific reasoning on which students can base their evaluation of information.
- This book provides excellent coverage of the role of important institutions in fostering uncritical, biased thinking, stressing the importance of assessing the plausibility of claims in light of other knowledge.
- In each chapter, new tools of critical thinking are introduced and demonstrated through evaluations of pseudoscientific beliefs. This enables students to see the principles in action and develop a sense for how to apply them in their everyday lives.
Evaluating Sources Whether in Print or on the World Wide Web.
1. Introduction: Pseudoscience and the Need for Critical Thinking.
2. Science: Evaluating Claims to Knowledge.
3. Language: Misleading and Evasive Tactics.
4. Magic: The Allure of Exotic Rituals, Fantasy, and Mysticism.
5. Authority: Appeals to Blind Obedience.
6. Experience: The Limitations of Testimonials as Evidence.
7. Plausibility: All Beliefs Are Not Created Equal.
8. Association: Establishing and Interpreting Correlations.
9. Risk: Biased Perceptions and the Media Paradox.
10. Belief: Confirmation Bias, Post-Hockery, and Overconfidence.
11. Schemes: The Seductiveness of Grand Conspiracy Theories.
12. Illusions: The Perception of Control.
13. Assessment: Classical Decision Theory.
14. Decisions: Clinical Vs. Statistical Approaches.
15. Ethics: The Use and Promotion of Unverified Treatments.
16. Tools: Suggestions for Critical Thinking.
1. Introduction: Pseudoscience and the Need for Critical Thinking.
2. Science: Evaluating Claims to Knowledge.
3. Language: Misleading and Evasive Tactics.
4. Magic: The Allure of Exotic Rituals, Fantasy, and Mysticism.
5. Authority: Appeals to Blind Obedience.
6. Experience: The Limitations of Testimonials as Evidence.
7. Plausibility: All Beliefs Are Not Created Equal.
8. Association: Establishing and Interpreting Correlations.
9. Risk: Biased Perceptions and the Media Paradox.
10. Belief: Confirmation Bias, Post-Hockery, and Overconfidence.
11. Schemes: The Seductiveness of Grand Conspiracy Theories.
12. Illusions: The Perception of Control.
13. Assessment: Classical Decision Theory.
14. Decisions: Clinical Vs. Statistical Approaches.
15. Ethics: The Use and Promotion of Unverified Treatments.
16. Tools: Suggestions for Critical Thinking.
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Traditional eBook and Print Options
- ISBN-10: 0357228669
- ISBN-13: 9780357228661
- RETAIL $79.95
- ISBN-10: 0534634591
- ISBN-13: 9780534634599
- RETAIL $159.95