Overview
Today's lecture explored pseudoscientific methods for personality and future predictions, highlighting the difference between science and pseudoscience through interactive activities and discussions.
Mini Quiz & Logistics
- Students completed a 10-question mini quiz on Google Classroom using their notes.
- Quiz is due by Monday for anyone who missed it or is absent.
Introduction to Pseudoscience
- Pseudoscience refers to practices presented as scientific despite lacking evidence or scientific method.
- The lesson emphasized distinguishing genuine neuroscience from questionable practices.
- Early psychology included many pseudoscientific approaches to explain behavior before modern science.
Pseudoscientific Methods Explored
- Activities included phrenology, palmistry, graphology, Chinese zodiac, and Western astrology.
- Each method claims to reveal aspects of personality, destiny, or health, but lacks scientific backing.
Phrenology
- Phrenology analyzed bumps and indentations on the skull, linking them to personality traits.
- No scientific evidence supports these correlations.
Palmistry
- Palm reading interprets lines and shapes on the hand to predict personality, fate, or career.
- Various guides offer conflicting interpretations and lack consistency.
Graphology
- Graphology claims handwriting style reflects character traits and health.
- Still used in some hiring processes, despite no scientific validity.
Chinese Zodiac
- Assigns personality traits and career advice based on year of birth in a 12-animal cycle.
- Deeply rooted in culture but not based on empirical science.
Western Astrology
- Uses birth date and celestial positions to assign zodiac signs and related characteristics.
- Offers vague, general traits that could apply to anyone.
In-Class Activities
- Students recorded findings from each pseudoscientific method on a worksheet.
- Compared and reflected on consistency, accuracy, and personal resonance of each method.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Pseudoscience — Practices falsely presented as scientific without empirical evidence.
- Phrenology — Study of skull bumps to determine personality or behavior.
- Palmistry — Practice of reading palms to predict personality or future.
- Graphology — Analysis of handwriting to reveal personality traits.
- Chinese Zodiac — Astrological system assigning traits based on year of birth.
- Western Astrology — Belief that star positions at birth determine character and fate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete and submit the worksheet comparing pseudoscientific methods via the Google Classroom portal.
- Watch the recommended SiHow video on the origins and evaluation of pseudoscience if time allows.