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50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions about Human Behavior 1st Edition

by Scott O. Lilienfeld (Author), Steven Jay Lynn (Author), John Ruscio (Author),
4.2 out of 5 stars 86 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-1405131124
ISBN-10: 1405131128
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (September 28, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1405131128
  • ISBN-13: 978-1405131124
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (86 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 starsSome valuable information but seriously flawed
By Michael Jackson on December 6, 2011
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Let me start by saying that this book provides some useful and important information regarding common misconceptions about psychology. I have to admit I was astounded to learn that a significant proportion of college students believe that vision involves emissions from the eyes; and the widespread persistence of less amusing beliefs about the infallibility of eyewitness testimony, the magical powers of hypnosis or the polygraph, and the "dangerousness" of the mentally ill are indeed worrisome and, at times, alarming. The very importance of such issues, however, raises serious questions about how these misunderstandings can best be challenged. Given the complexity of psychological phenomena, the investments of those who traffic in misinformation, and the reluctance of many people to relinquish cherished beliefs, it is important that a book aimed at dispelling such misinformation be exceptionally clear and careful in detailing the actual state of our knowledge about psychology and the ways in which such knowledge needs to be gathered, interpreted and critiqued. Unfortunately Lilienfeld, Lynn, Ruscio and Beyerstein ultimately fail in this crucial task.

The mission of the book is unclear. It purports to debunk "myths" about psychology, by which the authors mean widespread misconceptions. When the authors examine simplistic credos and widespread misunderstandings they often make valuable contributions along this line. But they frequently stray from this educational project into a more polemical one. This latter and more polemical project involves looking at areas of genuine controversy in the field of psychology and attacking positions held by those with whom the authors disagree. Of course, Lilienfeld et al.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsA must-have mythbuster!
By Reader on October 3, 2009
Format: Paperback
After reading the editorial reviews on this book, I decided to purchase a copy. It is a treasure trove of examples of behavior and myths that we believe to be true - but are actually false. Written by psychologists and based on science, this book describes the most common myths that people hold about a variety of human experiences. For example, does handwriting reveal your personality? Does playing Mozart to infants boost their intelligence? Do opposites attract? Is the polygraph really an accurate means of detecting dishonesty? If you think the answer to any of these questions, is "yes," you need to read this book. I couldn't put it down as I went from myth to myth learning about the facts based on science versus the myths we have believed for decades. I agree with the reviewer who says that this is a much-needed mythbuster for consumers. Easy-to-read and fascinating facts! I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended, a must-have mythbuster!
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4.0 out of 5 starsPsychology 101 Redux
By Brandon Schultz on November 30, 2009
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
There are two very impressive aspects of this book: 1) the types of "myths" that the authors tackle, and 2) the quality of their literature reviews. On the first point, I was excited to see the authors make strong evidence-based critiques of the Alcoholics Anonymous model of addictions treatment, the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse, the autism 'epidemic,' and others. It would have been easy to write another 'skeptics diary' of obvious psychomythology (e.g., phrenology, ESP, etc), but the authors really stick their necks out in some instances. On the second point, the authors' conclusions are well-supported by the research they cite. As a school psychologist, I was impressed to see a very thoughtful handling of the research on so-called 'learning styles,' for example. I've not seen a better handling of this topic in any book meant for mass consumption, and this section alone was worth the purchase. So overall, I would describe the book as a very well-written Psychology 101 Redux that debunks a lot of common misconceptions.

However, I would take issues with a few of the "Other Myths to Explore" at the end of the chapters, which could be easily misinterpreted. For example, on page 63 the authors claim that "children with extremely high IQs have much higher levels of creative accomplishment in adulthood than other children." While this is generally correct, it ignores research showing that 'extremely' high IQs do not predict the next Einsteins or Lincolns. In Lewis Terman's famous study, his high IQ group did very well into adulthood, but not up to Terman's predictions of greatness--in fact, most turned out to be very average adults. Such 'nuggets' at the end of the chapters are a little too concise, and this is why I give the book 4 stars rather than 5.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsTimely publication!
By David K. Hogberg on October 12, 2009
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Although I have been long retired from teaching (psychology), Scott's book makes me wish to return to the classroom. There can never be too much urging to become or remain critical in one's thinking about the outlandish claims that've been made over the years about what psychology is not. I recommend 50 Great Myths to people who have read only little or a lot about what people do when they behave. DKH
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4.0 out of 5 starsA dose of science
By Max Polun on February 1, 2010
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
All too often the popular perception of psychology has been clouded by a great many myths, misconceptions and outright falsehood. This book give a dose of what the current mainstream scientific views are on a great number of subjects (the 50 myths are just the ones that are explained, each chapter has a list of short items that are given 1 sentence answers). The book honestly points out where legitimate controversy still exists, but most of the myths discussed are not particularly controversial. The only thing keeping it from perfection is a somewhat dry style, that may keep it from being the best for the general audience.

A good read for anyone with an interest in science or psychology, but not necessarily any formal psychological training.
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