Psychology 2042A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Pseudoscience, Protective Factor, Psych

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2042A/B
• Professor: Jeff St.Pierre

Document Summary

Research studies in abnormal child psych seek to: define normal and abnormal behavior for children of different ages, sexes, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Identify the cases and correlates of abnormal behavior: make predictions about long-term outcomes, develop and evaluate methods for treatment and/or prevention. Requires that a claim be based on theories backed up by empirical evidence from well-designed studies before conclusions are drawn. Esp important in abnormal child psychology: a simple cxn btwn cause and effect may be obscured by complex intxns and a combination of variables. Hard to draw direct lines in childhood psychology bc there is a lot of influential factors in nature vs. nurture. Ineffective practices not based on scientific evidence may be used with potentially damaging effects. Pseudoscience demonstrates benefits through anecdotes or testimonials. The difference between science and pseudoscience is: the quality of the evidence, how it was obtained, how it is presented.