2 posts · 425 views
Psychology postgrad, now working as an assistant psychologist in London. Former IT geek. Interests include psychology, psychotherapy, good science, and elaborate practical jokes.
Critical Science
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- March 9, 2012
- 01:46 PM
- 246 views
Have connectionist models killed off beliefs?
by Ben in Critical Science
Connectionist models are widely held to have had a revolutionary impact upon cognitive science (Marcus, 2001). However, they are also employed in a highly controversial doctrine known as ‘eliminative materialism’, which claims the central posits of our common understanding of human psychology, including our conception of ‘beliefs’, are entirely false (Ramsey, Stitch & Garon, 1990). If such arguments are accepted, a radical reorientation is necessary in how we perceive and predict human behaviour, one that does not allow for human desire, intention or beliefs of any kind.... Read more »
Ramsey, W., Stich, S., & Garon, J. (1990) Connectionism, Eliminativism and The Future of Folk Psychology. Philosophical Perspectives, 499. DOI: 10.2307/2214202
- February 8, 2012
- 02:48 PM
- 179 views
Cyberchondria: Online health information and health anxiety
by Ben in Critical Science
Wondering what that rash on your arm is? If the cough you’ve had for a few days warrants making an appointment to see your doctor/physician? If you’ve ever used the internet to answer these sort of questions then you’re in the 60-80% of internet users who regularly do so. In theory this is a great idea – you get access to the collective knowledge of medicine, and you don’t get kicked out of the appointment room after 15 minutes. However, there are a few problems – research tell us that:... Read more »
Muse, K., McManus, F., Leung, C., Meghreblian, B., & Williams, J. (2012) Cyberchondriasis: Fact or fiction? A preliminary examination of the relationship between health anxiety and searching for health information on the Internet. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(1), 189-196. DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.11.005
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