Operational Definitions and Construct Validity

In this video, I cover properties, operational definitions, and construct validity. Understanding these concepts is fundamental for determining which conclusions can be drawn from a study and should always be kept in mind when considering interpretations of research. Don’t forget … Read More

Observer Bias: Clever Horses and Dull Rats

In this video, I explain two well-known examples of observer bias: the case of Clever Hans, and Rosenthal and Fode’s experiment with “bright” and “dull” rats. Observer bias (or experimenter expectancy effect) is considered, along with an explanation for how … Read More

The Scientific Mindset: Skepticism and Humility

In this video I discuss the role of skepticism and humility in thinking about scientific research and evaluating claims. I also mention the supposed “crisis of confidence” in psychology, the problem with pseudosciences, and the role that data plays in … Read More

Difficulties of Psychological Research

In this video I discuss three difficulties of conducting psychology research: complexity, variability, and reactivity. I also explain demand characteristics, social desirability, and the Hawthorne Effect. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or … Read More

Structuralism and Functionalism

In this video I describe two early approaches to psychology; the structuralism of Wilhelm Wundt and the functionalism of William James. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like to see … Read More

What is Phrenology?

In this video I discuss phrenology, the work of Franz Josef Gall, and how this pseudoscience had a lasting positive impact on psychology.   Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d … Read More

Dualism and Monism (Intro Psych Tutorial #3)

In this video I discuss dualism, Descartes, monism, and Hermann von Helmholtz to consider why we can’t trust our intuitions about the world. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like … Read More

Nature versus Nurture (Intro Psych Tutorial #2)

In this video I describe the concepts of nativism and philosophical empiricism as well as modern views of the “nature vs. nature debate”. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like … Read More

What is Psychology? (Intro Psych Tutorial #1)

This first video provides a brief overview of what psychology is and describes a few of psychology’s many subfields. Viewers in China can watch this video here: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTgzNjkxNDUzMg Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions … Read More