Includes bibliographical references (p. [253]-318) and index.

Introduction: The wide world of psychomythology -- Brain power : myths about the brain and perception -- From womb to tomb : myths about development and aging -- A remembrance of things past : myths about memory -- Teaching old dogs new tricks : myths about intelligence and learning -- Altered states : myths about consciousness -- I've got a feeling : myths about emotion and motivation -- The social animal : myths about interpersonal behavior -- Know thyself : myths about personality -- Sad, mad, and bad : myths about mental illness -- Disorder in the court : myths about psychology and law -- Skills and pills : myths about psychological treatment.

In a society in which psychological knowledge is shaped as much, if not more, by supermarket tabloids, talk shows, and self-proclaimed "self-help gurus" as it is by the latest scientific advances, here is a book that helps students and the public distinguish fact from fiction in the world of psychology. The authors use popular myths as a vehicle for distinguishing science from pseudoscience. Organized around key topic areas of modern psychology such as brain functioning, perception, development, memory, emotion, intelligence, learning, personality, mental illness, and psychotherapy, this book will help students and laypersons to critically evaluate the information and misinformation that is generated by popular psychology.--From publisher description.

In a society in which psychological knowledge is shaped as much, if not more, by supermarket tabloids, talk shows, and self-proclaimed "self-help gurus" as it is by the latest scientific advances, here is a book that helps students and the public distinguish fact from fiction in the world of psychology. The authors use popular myths as a vehicle for distinguishing science from pseudoscience. Organized around key topic areas of modern psychology such as brain functioning, perception, development, memory, emotion, intelligence, learning, personality, mental illness, and psychotherapy, this book will help students and laypersons to critically evaluate the information and misinformation that is generated by popular psychology.--From publisher description.