Pseudoscience and Mental Health

Harvard Summer School

PSYC S-1860

Section 1

CRN 36010

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In clinical psychology, it is essential to distinguish valid scientific claims from pseudoscientific ones so that we conduct research that is elucidating and provide treatments that work. This course teaches students the critical thinking skills necessary to identify the characteristics of pseudoscience, applying what they learn to evaluate popular, and often controversial, methods, assessments, and treatments within the field of clinical science. Controversies to be examined include: is the Rorschach inkblot test a valid measure of psychopathology? Is there such a thing as multiple personality disorder? Is it possible to remember events that did not actually occur? The critical thinking skills learned in this course can help students recognize bias and errors in their own research and that of others.

Instructor Info

Cynthia A. Meyersburg, PhD

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University


Meeting Info

MTWTh 6:30pm - 9:30pm (6/23 - 7/10)

Participation Option: On Campus

Deadlines

Last day to register: June 17, 2025

Prerequisites

PSYC S-1 or permission of the instructor.

Notes

Not open to Secondary School Program students.

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
26875 1 Online Synchronous Cynthia Meyersburg Open MTWTh 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Jan 6 to Jan 25
36010 1 On Campus Cynthia Meyersburg Open MTWTh 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Jun 23 to Jul 10