The Skeptical Psychologist

Investigating questionable, controversial, and novel claims in psychology.

by Scott Lilienfeld

Coma, Dubious Science, and False Hope

Recent uncritical media coverage of a man in a coma communicating ignores scientific findings. Read More

The Rorschach-Wikipedia Kerfuffle Continues

People's reactions to the posting of the inkblots provides something of a Rorschach test itself. Read More

The Polygraph Test Strikes – and Strikes Out – Again

Is the polygraph test an infallible detector of the truth? Hollywood portrayals aside, the answer is an unambiguous no. And I'm not lying. Read More

Michael Jackson, Truth Serum, and False Memories

I do not know whether Michael Jackson ever molested a child. I do know, however, that recent press coverage of the sexual abuse charges against Jackson has typically omitted one crucial fact. Read More

Recent Negative Findings for Gene-Environment Interaction in Depression Impart Useful Lessons

Recent negative findings regarding the genetic and environmental influences on depression may have left some discouraged. But these findings show psychological science working at its best - and highlight a rare case in which the news media got things right. Read More

Is Positive Psychology For Everyone? New Research Raises Doubts

New research raises further doubts about the widespread claim that "accentuating the positive" works for everyone. In fact, for some people, positive thinking may even backfire. Read More

The Autism Fad Parade Continues

We've recently witnessed yet another new entry into the seemingly never-ending parade of autism fads - Lupron. Will the fate of this one be any different from the others? There is ample reason for skepticism. Read More