PSYC 1150 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Evolutionary Psychology, Skeptical Movement, Pareidolia
Document Summary
Psychology: the scientific study of the mind, brain and behaviour. Levels of analysis: rungs on a ladder of analysis, with lower levels tied most closely to biological influences and higher levels ties most closely to social influences. Individual differences: variations among people in their thinking, emotion, personality and behaviour. Na ve realism: belief that we see the world precisely the way it is. Scientific theory: explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world. Hypothesis: testable prediction derived from a scientific theory. Confirmation basis: tendency to seek out evidence that supports our hypotheses and deny, dismiss or distort evidence that contradicts them. Belief perseverance: tendency to stick to our initial beliefs even when evidence contradicts them. Metaphysical claim: assertion about the world that is not testable. Pseudoscience: set of claims that seems scientific but isn"t. Ad hoc immunizing hypothesis: escape hatch or loophole that defenders of a theory use to protect their theory from falsification.