Psychology, Common Sense, and Beliefs

Assignment: 1

Psychology, Common Sense, and Beliefs

One challenge for social scientists is to recognize thinking based in “common sense” and to move toward critical thinking.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Study Notes: Psychology as a Science. Think about the difference between common sense and science. Consider the connections between common sense and people’s beliefs and how this relates to human behavior.
• Review the article by Douglas (2002). In your own words, define “belief perseverance” and explain how it interferes with critical thinking. Bring to mind an example for your own life in which your belief system has or is likely to interfere with critical thinking. (I couldn’t find any literature on this article….if you can’t either just define belief perseverance)…

With these thoughts in mind:

Write your explanation of the difference between common sense and science, the connections between common sense and people’s beliefs, and how this all relates to human behavior. Include your definition of “belief perseverance” and explain how it interferes with critical thinking. Share the strategies you would employ (or have employed) to ensure critical thinking in the presence of a personal belief system.