Pseudopsychology 101: Should I Pay Attention to What My Horoscope Says Or Is It B.S.?
Astrological signs, tarot cards, palm readings, healing crystals, spiritual/touch therapy... the list of pseudopsychology examples could probably go on forever. But it only takes the mentioning of one of these words to get a disappointed sigh and dramatic eye roll from most research psychologists.
Yes, it is true: we as a field aren't buying it.
Now, this does not mean that you can't have fun or partake in activities like astrology horoscopes and tarot card readings! However, it is important you understand how much value to put into these kinds of readings and "scientific" insights. For instance, of course I'm going to take this Buzzfeed Quiz called "We Know The Name Of Your Next Lover Based On The Food You Order From McDonald's," but should I rush to date the first Morgan I meet? Probably not... unless the potential boyfriend in question is Agent Morgan from Criminal Minds (this is the only exception).
Anyways, I'm here to help you enjoy the best of both worlds by showing you how to have fun without getting suckered by your local fortune teller.
PSEUDOPSYCHOLOGY
This intimidating word would secure a victory in any game of Scrabble you could ever play, but what does it actually mean? Pseudopsychology (also known as "pop psychology") is an approach to understanding a person's mind/behavior through fake or unscientific methods. Despite the consistent disproval of pseudopsychological claims, some practices like astrology and palm reading remain popular.
Why would people believe in something that has no scientific evidence behind it? Many believers interpret the readings as authentic because of how accurate and personal they sound. However, this feeling of trust is gained through the use of fallacies and misleading effects.
THE BARNUM EFFECT
The Barnum effect is named after P.T. Barnum, the showman attributed with the quite "There is a sucker born every minute." The Barnum effect is basically when something sounds special or personalized, but is actually just vague enough to apply to anyone.
One example of a Barnum effect is found in the following reading: "Sometimes, you feel in control of your emotions, but other times, your decisions are motivated by intense feelings." It sounds insightful until you realize this is something literally everyone has felt before.
Perhaps the most entertaining example of this effect is seen in the following demonstration. A group of people are each given descriptions of their individual personalities only to discover everyone received the same exact reading:
CONFIRMATION BIAS
Another crucial element to the success and popularity of pseudopsychology practices is a type of bias known as confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the tendency we have to pay more attention to information that confirms our existing beliefs. Often times, people are not even aware that they are being influenced by confirmation bias, which makes it even more difficult to address.
Confirmation bias can happen in many ways, such as:
Putting more weight into evidence that confirms our beliefs.
Undervaluing evidence that could disprove our beliefs.
Selectively gathering and recalling information.
So when you read an astrology horoscope, you are more likely to note what the reading got right and ignore the things it got wrong.
A HAPPY MEDIUM
My purpose in talking about reasons to be skeptical is not to burst anyone's bubble or ruin the fun. Honestly, I myself enjoy reading a horoscope or doing my own tarot card reading every once in a while. I think these experiences can be interesting opportunities for some self-reflection and a healthy change in perspective.
The problem lies in people who depend on pseudopsychology to make important decisions or justify their behavior. Additionally, there are those who view false sciences as a business opportunity. Phony fortune tellers, palm readers, and psychics constantly take advantage of believers simply to make a profit.
All in all, it is important to know these practices are not scientifically supported and should not be accepted blindly. At best, they are a source of light entertainment and should be practiced lightly.
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