5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing (Replay) | Freakonomics

Intro

This episode of the “Freakonomics” podcast explores the misuse of psychology terms and is inspired by the work of the late Emory University Psychology Professor, Scott Lillianfeld. Lillianfeld aimed to expose pseudoscience in psychology and highlight the difference between what we think we know and what we actually know. There is widespread confusion about psychiatric and psychological terminology in both popular media and academic circles. Lillianfeld authored “50 Psychological and Psychiatric Terms to Avoid” and “50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology” to debunk inaccurate and misleading ideas in psychology. The episode discusses how psychology is both intuitively interesting and widely misunderstood, leading to the misuse and exaggeration of psychological terms. There is a debate in psychology about misleading and misused ideas, with a focus on pseudoscience versus real science. Scott Lillianfeld and fellow academics published a paper listing 50 terms in psychology that are inaccurate, misleading, and misused. The goal of the paper is to promote clear thinking and clear writing in psychological science by curbing terminological misinformation and confusion. The 50 terms fall into five categories: inaccurate or misleading, frequently misused, ambiguous terms, oxymorons, and pleonasms.

Main Takeaways

Inaccurate or Misleading Terms

• Lillianfeld and his colleagues identified several terms commonly used in psychology that are inaccurate or misleading, such as “chemical imbalance” and “repressed memories.”
• These terms often oversimplify complex psychological phenomena and can perpetuate misconceptions.
• Understanding the limitations and nuances of these terms is crucial for clear thinking and accurate communication in psychology.

Frequently Misused Terms

• Psychological terms like “narcissist” and “psychopath” are often misused in popular media and everyday conversations.
• Misusing these terms can lead to misunderstandings and stigmatization of individuals with mental health conditions.
• It is important to use psychological terms accurately and responsibly to promote understanding and reduce stigma.

Ambiguous Terms

• Some psychological terms, such as “consciousness” and “intelligence,” have multiple interpretations and can be ambiguous.
• These ambiguous terms can lead to confusion and miscommunication in psychology.
• Clarifying the definitions and boundaries of these terms is essential for advancing psychological research and understanding.

Oxymorons

• Oxymoronic terms in psychology, such as “passive aggression” and “controlled chaos,” can be misleading and contradictory.
• Using oxymoronic terms can hinder clear thinking and precise communication in psychology.
• Identifying and avoiding oxymoronic terms can contribute to more accurate and effective psychological discourse.

Pleonasms

• Pleonasms are terms in psychology that contain unnecessary or redundant elements, such as “free will” and “true fact.”
• Using pleonasms can result in imprecise language and redundant statements.
• Avoiding pleonasms promotes clearer and more concise communication in psychology.

Summary

Misuse of Psychological Terms

Psychological terms are often misused and misunderstood, both in popular media and academic circles. Scott Lillianfeld and his colleagues identified 50 terms in psychology that are inaccurate, misleading, and misused. These terms fall into categories such as inaccurate or misleading, frequently misused, ambiguous terms, oxymorons, and pleonasms. Understanding the limitations and proper usage of these terms is crucial for clear thinking and effective communication in psychology.

Bystander Apathy and the Kitty Genovese Case

The episode explores the phenomenon of bystander apathy, where people freeze and don’t intervene in emergencies. The murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 sparked widespread apathy and raised questions about societal morality. The incident led to the adoption of the 9-11 system for reporting crimes in progress. However, the initial reporting of the murder was later found to be inaccurate, with only a few people aware of the attack and one neighbor yelling at the attacker. The story of Kitty Genovese’s murder highlights the impact of inaccurate reporting and the need for thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

The Bystander Effect and Pluralistic Ignorance

Psychologists Latane and Darley discovered the bystander effect, where the presence of others can inhibit helping behavior in emergencies. The Lady in Distress experiment demonstrated that people were more likely to help if they were alone, compared to when they were with others. The presence of others led to a diffusion of responsibility, resulting in decreased likelihood of help in emergencies. Pluralistic ignorance occurs when people hesitate to intervene because they assume others have already assessed the situation and determined it is not an emergency. Understanding these psychological phenomena can help promote a better understanding of human behavior in emergencies.

The Misinterpretation of Bystander Apathy

The notion of bystander apathy is often misinterpreted, and people may feel psychologically frozen rather than apathetic. The murder of Kitty Genovese, initially reported as witnessed by 38 people who did nothing, was later found to have been inaccurately reported, with only a few people aware of the attack. The story highlights the impact of inaccurate reporting and the need for critical analysis of information. Recognizing our capacity for fear and imperfection is the first step to overcoming it and promoting empathy and intervention in emergencies.

The Fallibility of Human Behavior

Humans are complex and capable of both great evil and great goodness. The belief in being hardwired for certain behaviors may be misleading, as many psychological attributes are not strictly genetically determined. The brain’s flexibility allows for potential shifts in function, and treatments for mental health conditions have been developed based on understanding the underlying neurocircuitry. Personality traits are continuously distributed dimensions, challenging the notion of mutually exclusive types. Challenging beliefs and thirst for knowledge are healthy, and it’s important not to look down on those who hold different beliefs.

The Challenges of Psychological Science

Psychological science faces challenges in proving causality due to the probabilistic nature and numerous variables involved. Statistically significant results do not necessarily imply reliability or consistency over time, and most significant results may not replicate in other samples. Despite the difficulties in predicting behavior, there is still some success in predicting violence, work performance, happiness, and longevity. Scientific methods are our best hope for sorting out lay beliefs and intuitive beliefs. Scott Lillianfeld’s work challenges the veracity of his own field and promotes critical thinking and humility in psychology.

Conclusion

The misuse of psychology terms can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuation of inaccurate ideas. Scott Lillianfeld’s work highlights the importance of clear thinking and clear writing in psychological science. Understanding the nuances and limitations of psychological terms is crucial for accurate communication and advancing the field. The complexity of human behavior requires a nuanced and evidence-based approach to psychology. Challenging beliefs, promoting empathy, and embracing the fallibility of human behavior are essential for a better understanding of ourselves and others.