ANOMALISTIC
PSYCHOLOGY
LESSON 1
ANSWERS TO
QUESTIONS 1 & 2
Question 1: Directional (one-tailed is acceptable)
Question 2:
1 mark for correctly stating that the result is
significant.
2 further marks for an explanation:
Because the calculated value of T =53 is less than
the critical value of 60 (1 mark) where N = 20 and
p ≤ 0.05 for a one-tailed test (2 marks)
TODAY
• Recap of Unit 4 topics
• Look at Anomalistic Psychology topics and
how they are assessed
• Features of Pseudoscience
• How to achieve high marks on an exam
question for Pseudoscience
• Consider whether Parapsychology is a
Science or a Pseudoscience
RECAP OF UNIT 4 TOPICS
Section A: Depression
(Total = 24 marks. Essay – same as Unit 3)
Section B: Psychology in Action: Anomalistic Psychology
(Total = 24 marks)
Mixture of short and long answer questions which often
require application to a scenario)
Section C:
Research methods
(Total = 35 marks. Mixture of short and long questions
based on scenarios)
ANOMALISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
This is on the front page of your packs
PSEUDOSCIENCE VS
SCIENCE
Read the information on Pseudoscience
(p2) and identify which statements in the
boxes you think are characteristics of
Science or Pseudoscience.
Do this without discussing it with the
people sat next to you.
ANSWERS – THE ONES HIGHLIGHTED ARE PSEUDOSCIENCE
Aims to test theories in order to refute (falsify) them.
Aims to confirm rather than refute its own theories
Uses flawed methodology and anecdotal evidence to substantiate claims.
Relies on objectivity and replication to produce valid evidence.
Proposes unfalsifiable hypotheses and fails to correct itself when claimed effects don’t occur
in research. E.g. the phenomena disappear when sceptics are present
Rejects theories when they don’t fit with sound evidence from research
Makes and tests predictions to build up increasingly accurate knowledge about the world.
Fails to build on or connect with existing scientific knowledge - so progress is impossible.
Uses scientific terminology with precisely defined meanings to ensure clarity.
Uses complex scientific jargon with imprecise meanings to give a superficial air of ‘science’
Avoids peer review
Research is submitted to expert peers for review before publication
Close your packs
PAST EXAM QUESTION
Explain what is meant by pseudoscience (5
marks)
Read the ‘Past exam question sheet’ and
work in pairs to complete the activities
Missing characteristics from mark scheme:
1. Pseudoscience is not published in peer-reviewed journals (often
appears in magazines, newspapers or on the internet)
2. Investigations, where they are carried out at all, are often
methodologically flawed and not replicable
3. Theories are usually unfalsifiable
4. Aims to support claims rather than refute them
Potential reasons for answer achieving high marks:
1. Gives overall definition of Pseudoscience.
2. Four accurate characteristics given.
3. They have elaborated on most characteristics – done really well
for peer review.
4. Made reference to major features of science e.g. hypothesis
testing
OCCAM’S RAZOR
Read about Occam’s razor on p4 and
answer the questions.
Which explanation is most likely to be
viewed as pseudoscientific?
PARAPSYCHOLOGY –
SCIENCE OR PSEUDOSCIENCE?
It has been argued that anomalistic psychology uses the
scientific method to establish truths about paranormal
phenomena, whereas parapsychology uses
pseudoscience, or in some cases ‘fraud’ as an explanation
for the phenomena. However, there is a debate about to
what extent parapsychology is a ‘true’ science or a
pseudoscience.
You will be directed to a specific piece of evidence related
to Parapsychology.
Your job is to use your knowledge of the features of
science and pseudoscience to explain how this evidence
could be used to debate the scientific status of
parapsychology.
Now we have discussed this – write a
answer to the exam question on p5
(use the space underneath the hint
box)
REVIEW OF PSEUDOSCIENCE
SOME CREATIONISTS CLAIM THAT
GOD MADE THE EARTH WITH SIGNS
OF PRIOR AGING, SUCH AS FOSSILS
IN ROCKS, ALREADY IN PLACE.
Which characteristic of pseudoscience
does this demonstrate? Why?
Falsifiability – cannot disprove this claim –
impossible to
REVIEW OF PSEUDOSCIENCE
WESTERN ASTROLOGY HAS
CHANGED VERY LITTLE OVER THE
PAST 2500 YEARS.
Which characteristic of pseudoscience
does this demonstrate? Why?
Lack of progress – differs to science which uses
hypothesis testing and challenges existing theories so
progress is possible.
REVIEW OF PSEUDOSCIENCE
PSEUDOSCIENTISTS OFTEN
PUBLISH STRAIGHT TO BOOKS,
MAGAZINES OR ON THE INTERNET.
Which characteristic of pseudoscience
does this demonstrate? Why?
No peer review – is not scrutinised by
independent experts so cannot check for validity
this limits credibility
REVIEW OF PSEUDOSCIENCE
CLAIMS FOR PSYCHIC HEALING
WORKING USUALLY RELY ON
PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF THOSE IT
HAS TREATED.
Which characteristic of pseudoscience
does this demonstrate? Why?
Poor methodology & anecdotal evidence –
means data is subjective rather than objective