Two Psychologists Four Beers
Episode 114: Psychology Worth Doing (with Paul Bloom)
Nov 11, 2024
Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto and a Yale emeritus, makes waves with his bold assertion that much of developmental psychology is not worth pursuing. He delves into where psychology excels and critiques the progressive biases in social science. The conversation also navigates the tricky waters of warning friends about toxic relationships, loss aversion, and the importance of skepticism in research. Bloom's wit and sharp insights keep it engaging while tackling serious issues in the field.
01:15:01
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Quick takeaways
- Paul Bloom criticizes much of developmental psychology for its lack of practical significance, advocating for more theory-driven research instead.
- The discussion highlights how ideological homogeneity in research can hinder inquiry and skew findings towards prevailing beliefs.
Deep dives
Critique of Developmental Psychology Research
A critical viewpoint is presented regarding much of the research in developmental psychology, particularly studies that focus on when children acquire knowledge already understood by adults. The argument suggests that such research often leads to findings that may not be practically meaningful, as determining the exact age children understand a concept like multiplication is arguably of limited value. The inefficiency of this approach is highlighted, suggesting that rather than merely collecting facts about children's understanding, researchers should instead focus on testing well-defined theories of development, thereby enhancing the relevance of their work.
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