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Abstract

Background

Psychology students frequently continue to endorse psychological myths and misconceptions. The refutational method of instruction can reduce myth endorsement.

Objective

This study aimed to replicate and extend prior research using infographics to refute psychological myths and misconceptions.

Method

Undergraduate students in two online courses (N = 46) completed refutational infographics on assigned myths and shared them in groups. Researchers assessed myth endorsement and critical thinking attitudes and beliefs at the beginning and end of the project.

Results

Post-project myth endorsement was significantly lower for students’ assigned myths and other myths that peer groups exposed them to. Attitudes and beliefs about critical thinking were significantly higher at the end of the project.

Conclusion

Refutational infographics are associated with lower psychological myth endorsement and increased critical thinking attitudes and beliefs among intermediate- and upper-level psychology students. Exposure to peers’ refutational infographics is also associated with reduced myth endorsement.

Teaching Implications

Instructors seeking ways to correct myth endorsement while fostering positive perceptions of critical thinking should consider using refutational infographics with a sharing component.

Keywords

infographics authentic assessment psychological misconceptions myth refutation critical thinking

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The Use of Refutational Infographics and Group Sharing to Combat Psychological Myths and Promote Critical Thinking

Abstract

Background

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Teaching Implications

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References