The Skeptical Psychologist

Health

Evidence-Based Practice: The Misunderstandings Continue

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on January 27, 2014

The concept of evidence-based practice has been widely misunderstood. A new, widely distributed essay perpetuates still more misconceptions about the role of science in the selection and evaluation of psychotherapies.

The concept of evidence-based practice has been widely misunderstood. A new, widely distributed essay perpetuates still more misconceptions about the role of science in the selection and evaluation of psychotherapies.

Defense Mechanisms

Beware the Regression Fallacy

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on January 4, 2014

It's that time of the year again - losing football teams are firing their coaches. But will it help? Probably not. Like many erroneous inferences in life, including jinxes, they may be falling prey to a cognitive illusion - the regression fallacy.

It's that time of the year again - losing football teams are firing their coaches. But will it help? Probably not. Like many erroneous inferences in life, including jinxes, they may be falling prey to a cognitive illusion - the regression fallacy.

Media

Coma, Dubious Science, and False Hope

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on November 25, 2009

 Recent uncritical media coverage of a man in a coma communicating ignores scientific findings.

 Recent uncritical media coverage of a man in a coma communicating ignores scientific findings.

People's reactions to the posting of the inkblots provides something of a Rorschach test itself.

Guilt

The Polygraph Test Strikes – and Strikes Out – Again

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on July 21, 2009

Is the polygraph test an infallible detector of the truth? Hollywood portrayals aside, the answer is an unambiguous no. And I'm not lying.

Is the polygraph test an infallible detector of the truth? Hollywood portrayals aside, the answer is an unambiguous no. And I'm not lying.

False Memories

Michael Jackson, Truth Serum, and False Memories

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on July 7, 2009

Recent press coverage of the sexual abuse charges against Jackson has typically omitted one crucial fact.

Recent press coverage of the sexual abuse charges against Jackson has typically omitted one crucial fact.

Genetics

Recent Negative Findings for Gene-Environment Interaction in Depression Impart Useful Lessons

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on June 29, 2009

Recent negative findings regarding the genetic and environmental influences on depression may have left some discouraged. But these findings show psychological science working at its best - and highlight a rare case in which the news media got things right.

Recent negative findings regarding the genetic and environmental influences on depression may have left some discouraged. But these findings show psychological science working at its best - and highlight a rare case in which the news media got things right.

New research raises doubts about the widespread claim that "accentuating the positive" works for everyone.

Autism

The Autism Fad Parade Continues

Scott Lilienfeld Ph.D. on May 31, 2009

We've recently witnessed yet another new entry into the seemingly never-ending parade of autism fads - Lupron.  Will the fate of this one be any different from the others?  There is ample reason for skepticism.

We've recently witnessed yet another new entry into the seemingly never-ending parade of autism fads - Lupron.  Will the fate of this one be any different from the others?  There is ample reason for skepticism.