ERIC Number: EJ993707
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 2
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0003-066X
EISSN: N/A
The Role of Preferred Beliefs in Skepticism about Psychology
Newman, Leonard S.; Bakina, Daria A.; Tang, Ying
American Psychologist, v67 n9 p805-806 Dec 2012
Not being taken seriously can be an occupational hazard for psychologists, but Lilienfeld's (February-March 2012) thought-provoking article (see record 2011-12007-001) provides a useful framework for thinking about (a) the forms that skepticism about psychological science can take, (b) the roots of such skepticism, and (c) how one might address or even undermine it. But as Lilienfeld (2012, p. 117) noted, "The sources of public skepticism toward psychology are multifarious," and his list "is surely not exhaustive." We agree and believe that another source deserves emphasis, one that psychologists ignore at their peril. Specifically, what psychologists have to say about human behavior can clash with people's beliefs and intuitions.
Descriptors: Psychology, Psychologists, Beliefs, Role Perception, Misconceptions, Professional Identity, Public Opinion, Reputation, Professional Recognition, Reader Response
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A