NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1404607
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: EISSN-1532-8023
Available Date: N/A
Who Believes the "50 Great Myths of Psychology"?
Elizabeth J. Meinz; Jennifer L. Tennison; Whitney A. Dominguez
Teaching of Psychology, v51 n1 p30-38 2024
Background: Furnham and Hughes (2014) previously reported that a sample of adults was only able to recognize 37% of 249 myths based on those presented in Lilienfeld et al.'s (2009) Great Myths of Popular Psychology. Objective: We sought to replicate these findings and to investigate predictors (e.g., education, cognitive ability, and personality) of beliefs in these myths in both lower- and upper-division courses. Method: Over 150 psychology students completed a test of psychomythological beliefs, demographics, tests of cognitive ability, and measures of personality. Results: Our sample identified a similar, but slightly higher percentage of the myths than those recognized by Furnham and Hughes' sample. Myth acceptance was high among both introductory- and senior-level psychology students, but seniors believed significantly fewer myths, and the number of psychology courses taken was negatively related to false beliefs in the full sample. A larger general knowledge base and high intellectual openness predicted myth rejection; group membership did not moderate these effects. Conclusion: Education and some individual differences variables likely play a role in psychomythological beliefs. Teaching Implications: Psychology faculty should continue working to dispel psychological myths, and also redouble their efforts to enhance students' core knowledge base, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A