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Lecture 2: Critical Thinking in Psychology PSYC 1500 - Coggle Diagram
Lecture 2: Critical Thinking in Psychology
PSYC 1500
Critical Thinking in Psychology
A rational process that avoids preconceptions, gathers evidence, and evaluates alternatives to reach conclusions (Smith, 2002)
Key Traits of Critical Thinkers
Flexibility
Identifying biases and assumptions
Avoiding oversimplification
Skepticism
Logical inference
Separating facts from opinions
Evidence-based reasoning
Role of Media in Psychological Research
Media conveys research findings to the public but may lack proper understanding, leading to misrepresentation.
Examples of headlines showing potential inaccuracies in media portrayal (e.g., stress and cannabis use, the effects of makeup on self-esteem).
Case Study 1: Self-Injury and Online Content
Background on Self-Injury (NSSI)
Common in adolescents and young adults; associated with mental health issues (depression, anxiety, trauma).
NSSI is often depicted in YouTube videos, with graphic images showing cutting and burning.
Study Findings
Videos were favourably viewed but often lacked warnings
The majority were melancholic or educational rather than promoting NSSI
Concerns about potential triggering effects for those vulnerable to NSSI.
Study Limitations
Only examined 100 videos, not the actual long-term impact
Implications
Need for more resources and a cautious approach rather than banning such content
Case Study 2: Sexual Assault Resistance Education (SARE)
Prevalence of Sexual Assault
High rates of sexual violence against women, especially in university settings
Linked to mental health issues and academic difficulties.
SARE Program
12-hour program teaching risk assessment, self-defence, and sexual boundaries to first-year university women.
Study Results
46% reduction in completed rapes and 63% reduction in attempted rapes after one year.
Study Limitations
Conducted only at three universities in Canada, and challenges in scaling the program to other settings
Implications
The program was successful but raised concerns about placing responsibility on victims rather than perpetrators
Media vs. Research Findings
Media simplifies research findings and can mislead the audience due to its need for sensationalism or simplification.
Critical thinking is necessary to analyze media reports and assess their accuracy against original research
Importance of Critical Thinking in Academia
Developing critical thinking skills is essential throughout one's academic career, especially in assignments like research papers
Critical thinkers evaluate evidence, avoid biases, and draw conclusions from well-examined data.