Psychology Myths

Psychologists are mind-readers

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Answer explanation

Psychologists are not mind-readers. However, we can analyze your BEHAVIOURS, FEELINGS and THINKING through your actions, gestures, postures, tone of voice, facial expressions and verbal expressions.

Psychologists and counsellors only treat people with mental illness.

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Answer explanation

There are many fields in psychology. We do help mentally healthy individuals as well. Some of us helps students to learn better, some help employees increase their job performance and satisfaction, while some others try to understand the consumers buying decisions, and there are a lot more others!

Left-handed people are creative, right-handed people are logical.

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Answer explanation

No one is fully left-brained or right-brained. Studies show that people use both hemispheres constantly, regardless of hand dominance.

Men have larger brains, so they are more intelligent.

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Answer explanation

• While men's brains are, on average, about 10% larger than women's (because men tend to have bigger bodies overall), this does not mean they are more intelligent.

• Brain size varies among individuals and species. For example, whales and elephants have much larger brains than humans, but they are not necessarily more intelligent in human terms.

Opposites attract.

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Answer explanation

Studies consistently find that people are more likely to be attracted to those with similar values, attitudes, and interests.

Yawning is contagious

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Answer explanation

Yawning is contagious. One explanation to this is about social mirroring - individuals subconsciously copy the actions of others. 

People who are high in introversion are shy.

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Answer explanation

• Introversion is a personality trait—introverts prefer quiet environments, enjoy deep conversations, and recharge by spending time alone.

• Shyness is a fear of social judgment—shy people feel anxious or nervous in social situations, even if they want to engage.