Psychology Myths - Facts or Fiction?

Psychology is a fascinating field that delves into the complexities of the human mind and behaviour. However, it's also a domain riddled with myths and misconceptions which often arise from oversimplifications, outdated information, or cultural misunderstandings. For psychology students, distinguishing between myth and fact is crucial for developing a solid understanding of the subject.

Test your knowledge - Are these psychological facts or fiction?

FACT or FICTION

1. We Only Use 10% of Our Brain
2. People Are Either Left-Brained or Right-Brained
3. IQ Tests Measure Intelligence Accurately
4. IQ Is Fixed and Cannot Change
5. Memory Works Like a Video Camera
6. Subliminal Messages Can Control Our Behaviour
7. You Are Either an Introvert or an Extrovert
8. Opposites Attract
9. You Can Learn While You Sleep
10. You can hypnotise people into doing things they normally wouldn’t
11. Hypnosis Can Recover Repressed Memories
12. Young Children Are Naturally Selfish
13. Body Language is 93% of Communication
14. Men and Women Have Completely Different Brains
15. Playing Video Games Leads to Violence

Actually, they are all psychology myths - fiction, but where did the myth come from and what is the distorted truth in these myths?

1. We Only Use 10% of Our Brain

The idea that we only use 10% of our brain is a popular myth, perpetuated by media and pop culture. It suggests that if we could unlock the remaining 90%, we could achieve extraordinary mental abilities.

The Truth

Neuroscientific research has debunked this myth. Brain imaging technologies, like fMRI and PET scans, show that we use virtually all parts of our brain, even when we are at rest. Different tasks activate different regions, but overall, nearly all of the brain is active at some point over a 24-hour period.

2. People Are Either Left-Brained or Right-Brained

This myth is based on the idea that the left hemisphere of the brain is logical and analytical, while the right hemisphere is creative and emotional. People are thought to predominantly use one side of their brain, influencing their personality and skills.

The Truth

While certain functions are lateralised (language tends to be in the left hemisphere, for example), brain imaging studies have shown that we use both hemispheres for most cognitive tasks. The brain works as a whole, with constant communication between the two sides.

3. IQ Tests Measure Intelligence Accurately

IQ tests are widely used and sometimes seen as definitive measures of intelligence, leading to the belief that they capture a person's intellectual capacity comprehensively.

The Truth

IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, such as logical reasoning, math skills, and verbal comprehension. However, intelligence is multi-faceted, encompassing emotional intelligence, creativity, practical problem-solving, and other skills not captured by standard IQ tests. Therefore, IQ is only one part of a much larger picture.

4. IQ Is Fixed and Cannot Change

The early 20th-century development of intelligence testing led to the belief that IQ scores represent a static measure of an individual's intellectual capabilities.

The Truth

IQ is not a fixed trait. Intelligence can change over time due to a variety of factors, including education, environment, and personal experiences. Cognitive abilities can be developed and improved through learning and practice.

5. Memory Works Like a Video Camera

Many believe that human memory records experiences exactly as they happen, like a video camera, which can be replayed accurately at any time.

The Truth

Memory is reconstructive, not reproductive. When we recall an event, we reconstruct the memory, which can be influenced by subsequent information and our own biases. This means memories can be distorted or even false.

6. Subliminal Messages Can Control Our Behaviour

The fear of subliminal messages dates back to the 1950s when market researcher James Vicary claimed he could influence people’s behaviour by flashing imperceptible messages during movies.

The Truth

Subsequent studies have failed to replicate Vicary's findings, and his original claims were later discredited as a hoax. While subliminal stimuli can sometimes influence thoughts or feelings, their impact on behaviour is minimal and not as powerful as once believed.

7. You Are Either an Introvert or an Extrovert

Carl Jung's theories on personality types have popularised the binary view of introversion and extroversion, suggesting that people fall into one of these distinct categories.

The Truth

Personality traits exist on a spectrum. Most people exhibit characteristics of both introversion and extroversion depending on the context. The concept of ambiversion reflects this middle ground, recognising that personality is more fluid and situational than a strict binary.

8. Opposites Attract

The notion that opposites attract is a common belief in popular culture, suggesting that people with differing personalities are more likely to be drawn to each other. 

The Truth

Research in social psychology indicates that similarity, not difference, is a stronger predictor of attraction and long-term relationship success. People are more likely to be attracted to others who share their values, interests, and personality traits.

9. You Can Learn While You Sleep

The idea that playing recordings while you sleep can help you learn new information is a tempting one, suggesting that we can use sleep time to enhance our knowledge without effort.

The Truth

Studies have shown that while sleep is critical for memory consolidation, actively learning new information during sleep is not effective (sorry, no shortcuts to learning your A Level psychology). Our brains do not process external information in the same way when we are asleep as they do when we are awake.

10. You can hypnotise people into doing things they normally wouldn’t

Movies and TV shows often depict hypnosis as a powerful tool that can make people act against their will or reveal deep secrets.

The Truth

Hypnosis can increase suggestibility and focus, but it cannot make individuals act against their morals or will. It is a state of heightened relaxation and concentration, often used for therapeutic purposes, such as pain management and reducing anxiety.

11. Hypnosis Can Recover Repressed Memories

The idea that hypnosis can unlock hidden or repressed memories is a staple in movies and therapy practices from decades past.

The Truth

While hypnosis can enhance focus and suggestibility, it does not reliably recover accurate memories. Hypnotically induced memories are often a mix of fact and fantasy and can be influenced by the suggestions of the hypnotist. This makes hypnosis unreliable for memory retrieval and can lead to false memories.

12. Young Children Are Naturally Selfish

Some people believe that young children are inherently selfish and only care about their own needs and desires.

The Truth

Developmental psychology shows that while very young children do focus on their own needs (which is a survival mechanism), they also demonstrate empathy and altruism from a young age. As they grow, they learn to balance their needs with the needs of others.

13. Body Language is 93% of Communication

This myth stems from a misinterpretation of studies by Albert Mehrabian, suggesting that words are only 7% of communication, with the rest being body language and tone.

The Truth

Mehrabian's research was context-specific, focusing on feelings and attitudes, not general communication. Words are crucial in conveying complex ideas and information, and effective communication involves a combination of verbal and non-verbal elements.

14. Men and Women Have Completely Different Brains

Stereotypes about gender differences are pervasive, and some early studies suggested significant structural and functional differences between male and female brains.

The Truth

While there are some differences in brain structure and hormone influences, the cognitive and psychological differences between men and women are generally small. Most abilities and traits overlap significantly between genders, and individual differences are far more pronounced than gender-based differences.

15. Playing Video Games Leads to Violence

Concerns about the impact of violent video games on behaviour have led some to believe that playing these games can cause aggressive behaviour and violence.

The Truth

While some studies have found a correlation between violent video games and short-term increases in aggression, there is no conclusive evidence that they lead to violent criminal behaviour. Other factors, such as family environment, mental health, and socio-economic status, play a more significant role in influencing behaviour.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between myth and reality in psychology is essential for psychology students as they navigate through their studies. By debunking these common myths, we can appreciate the complexity of human behaviour and the importance of evidence-based research. 

Always question the information presented, seek out credible sources, and remain open to the evolving nature of psychological science!