Research Seminar in Clinical Psychology Science

This Research Seminar in Clinical Psychology Science is conducted entirely in English and integrates epistemological reflection, critical analysis of research practices, and training in scientific communication. Inspired by the scientific philosophy articulated by Scott O. Lilienfeld and colleagues, the seminar examines how to distinguish science from pseudoscience in clinical psychology. Students explore issues such as reproducibility, research integrity, p-hacking, publication bias, theory construction, and the nature of scientific consensus. The course also addresses broader themes including empathy, intergroup processes, mental imagery, and narrative cognition, highlighting how scientific knowledge is constructed, scrutinized, and communicated. Through mandatory readings, video lectures, and journal-club-style discussions, students critically engage with both scientific articles and public representations of psychological science. A central component of the seminar is the development of scientific English proficiency, culminating in the collaborative production of an academic podcast.

The aim of this seminar is to develop a critical and scientifically grounded understanding of the challenges facing contemporary clinical psychology, and to promote transparent, evidence-based, and methodologically rigorous practices in both research and clinical settings.

Session 1 : Dossier à rendre

Session 2 : Dossier à rendre

Dérogatoire : pas de dérogatoire

Répartition de la note finale : 100% TD

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Distinguish scientifically grounded practices from pseudoscientific or weakly supported claims in clinical psychology.
• Critically evaluate empirical studies with respect to methodology, validity, transparency, and theoretical coherence.
• Apply principles of evidence-based reasoning to clinical and research contexts.
• Articulate nuanced scientific arguments in English using appropriate academic vocabulary.
• Engage in structured, evidence-based discussion in a seminar format.
• Synthesize scientific literature into a coherent and critically informed oral production.
• Produce a group podcast that reflects methodological rigor, conceptual clarity, and epistemological awareness.

Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., & Lohr, J. M. (Eds.). (2015). Science and pseudoscience in clinical psychology (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Lilienfeld, S. O. (2010). Can psychology become a science? Perspectives on Psychological Science.
Selected materials and talks by Eiko Fried (see course resources).

Slide presentations (PDF format).
Mandatory readings and viewing materials (TED talks, invited lectures, scientific papers).
Journal-club style discussions.