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
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
Freud’s Personality Structure
Freud proposed a structural organization of personality with three main components; the id, the ego, and the superego. The id was the raw animal drives of the personality. These included drives for food, sex, and aggression, which were driven by … Read More
Types of Test Designs
In designing an intelligence assessment, I may want to know the level of difficulty that someone is capable of solving. In this case, I would probably look at whether a person is able to solve a particularly difficult puzzle or … Read More
How Does Memory Work?
Why do we remember some things and not others? How much can we remember and how long can our memories last? What processes shape our memory of the world? Memories are a fundamental part of who we are, so it’s … Read More