Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological condition that affects about 1 in 59 children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of reported cases of autism in U.S. children has more than doubled from 2004 to 2014. Initially, autism was described as a rare childhood disorder,…
Psychology News
Understanding Distinction Bias in Decision Making
By comparing two products or life choices side-by-side, you may be undermining your ability to make the best decision. Psychological research points to how distinction bias can prevent you from accurately predicting how much happiness an item or life decision will provide. How does distinction bias work? And what does it look like? The following…
How Psychology Addresses Research Bias
In psychological research, objectivity is the key to accuracy. Unfortunately, bias is unavoidable. Biases are the inclinations, tendencies or opinions of researchers that may skew the results of their work. Because all experiments are designed and carried out by humans, they all contain at least some potential for bias. Solving for this variable, therefore, is…
Interesting Psychological Phenomena: The Pratfall Effect
Is spilling coffee on yourself ever beneficial? What about stubbing your toe? Falling down in public? According to social psychology, clumsy mistakes like these can give individuals an advantage more often than you might think. It’s called the Pratfall Effect and remains a highly intriguing theory in the field of social science. What Is the…
more: Interesting Psychological Phenomena: The Pratfall Effect
Psychology vs Sociology: What’s the Difference?
Students drawn to the social sciences have a wide range of options when considering their particular field of study. Psychology and sociology are two such areas. Although these disciplines often attract students of similar mindsets and inclinations, the subjects are often confused with one another. Psychology and sociology both involve the scientific study of people.…
The Psychology of Dreams: Inside the Dream Mind
Why do we dream? How do dreams provide insight into the mind? Are dreams relevant to waking life? From ancient times when dreams were considered to hold prophetic powers to the neurological phenomena studied today, dreams remain one of psychology’s most enduring mysteries. Although scientists continue to research the answers to these questions, they build…
Social Work vs. Clinical Psychology
For many choosing a career in social services, the biggest choice to make is between pursuing social work or psychology. While the two disciplines have some similarities, they differ in ways like required level of education and earning potential. Both social workers and psychologists help people deal with problems that interfere with daily life, but…
Which Psychology Field Is Right for You?
Much like the human behaviors that mainstream psychologists study, there is a large variety of fields in the larger area of psychology. This offers those interested in psychology countless doors on what to specialize in. There are some areas that may be more suited to your personality and interests. Branches of Psychology Different types of…
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychology is one of the most popular concentrations within psychology. This area of psychology focuses on treating mental illness and psychiatric problems through observation, experimentation and psychotherapy. In most states, clinical psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe drugs to patients. Within this subfield of psychology, psychologists can further specialize in areas…
What is a Sports Psychologist
A sports psychologist applies the theories and principles of psychology to sport and exercise. The field of sports psychology is relatively young, but it is a broad discipline that can help professional and amateur athletes alike. Sports psychology is technically a division of kinesiology and physical education. However, a strong background in psychology is helpful…
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