Why We Do What We Do

Abraham
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We explain popular and weird, little-known ideas in psychology. Whether you are a little curious about psychology, or a student, or even a professional, we have something for everyone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

  1. 1 day ago

    Diagnoses: More Harm Than Good? With Dr. Stu Law pt. 2

    This continues our discussion with Dr. Stu Law. We further elaborate on the issues with a diagnostic system for mental health and what the pitfalls are, including faulty underlying assumptions. After recording, we had enough content in this discussion for two separate episodes. So, we awkwardly added a post-hoc conclusion in this discussion and a similar intro to the next episode.  Recommendations Part 2 Abraham: Rick & Morty Season 9 (https://www.hbomax.com/?utm_id=sa|22393148778|180575663513|297385727722&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22393148778&gbraid=0AAAAApH9fnpTr6yDijXdlc51psz-wvFmK&gclid=CjwKCAjwtKrUBhAhEiwAr77ZosVPKgR3u_fZCszdZHzumdiOcQNAKwT0a7Nf_f0fizQrw8F_yunqPBoC2nAQAvD_BwE)Shane: Unwed Sailor - High Remembrance (https://open.spotify.com/album/0U5ebcuEkgaH7nYtQ01puI?si=TJaLAOzySAS6YynsVxegoA) Holidays (9/2/2026): Bison-Ten Yell DayCalendar Adjustment DayGlobal Talent Acquisition DayNational Blueberry Popsicle DayNational No Patrick DayPierce Your Ears DaySpalding Baseball DayV-J DayWorld Coconut Day References: Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21.Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press.Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications.Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books.Beltz, A. M., & Gates, K. M. (2017). Network mapping with GIMME. Multivariate behavioral research, 52(6), 789-804.Birkhoff, G. D. (1931). Proof of the ergodic theorem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 17, 656-660.Brown, T. A., Campbell, L. A., Lehman, C. L., Grisham, J. R., & Mancill, R. B. (2001). Current and lifetime comorbidity of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders in a large clinical sample. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110(4), 585–599. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.4.585Clark, L. A., Watson, D., & Reynolds, S. (1995). Diagnosis and classification of psychopathology: Challenges to the current system and future directions. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 121–153. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.46.020195.001005Fried, E. I. (2015). Problematic assumptions have slowed down depression research: why symptoms, not syndromes are the way forward. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 309.Fried, E. I., & Cramer, A. O. (2017). Moving forward: challenges and directions for psychopathological network theory and methodology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 999-1020.Galizio, A., Frye, C. C., Haynes, J. M., Friedel, J. E., Smith, B. M., & Odum, A. L. (2018). Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 109(1), 210-237.Galatzer-Levy, I. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). 636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 651-662.Glick, I. D., Murray, S. R., Vasudevan, P., Marder, S. R., & Hu, R. J. (2001). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics: New indications and new populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35(3), 187–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(01)00020-6.Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. W., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168.Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., & McNally, R. J. (2016). A complex network perspective on clinical science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(5), 597-605.Hofmann, S. G., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). The future of intervention science: Process-based therapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(1), 37-50.Hofmann, S. G., Meuret, A. E., Rosenfield, D., Suvak, M. K., Barlow, D. H., Gorman, J. M., ... & Woods, S. W. (2007). Preliminary evidence for cognitive mediation during cognitive-behavioral therapy of panic disorder. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 75(3), 374.Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617.Newman, C. F., Leahy, R. L., Beck, A. T., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., & Gyulai, L. (2002). Bipolar disorder: A cognitive therapy approach. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10442-000.Lenzenweger, M. F., Lane, M. C., Loranger, A. W., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019Molenaar, P. C. (2004). A manifesto on psychology as idiographic science: Bringing the person back into scientific psychology, this time forever. Measurement, 2(4), 201-218.Molenaar, P. C., & Campbell, C. G. (2009). The new person-specific paradigm in psychology. Current directions in psychological science, 18(2), 112-117.Meehl, P. E. (1978). Theoretical risks and tabular asterisks: Sir Karl, Sir Ronald, and the slow progress of soft psychology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(4), 806–834.McNally, R. J. (2012). The ontology of posttraumatic stress disorder: Natural kind, social construction, or causal system? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19, 220–228.Piccirillo, M. L., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2019). Foundations of idiographic methods in psychology and applications for psychotherapy. Clinical psychology review.Popa, A., & McDowell, J. J. (2016). Behavioral variability in an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 105(2), 270-290.Sidman, M. (1952). A note on functional relations obtained from group data. Psychological Bulletin, 49(3), 263Volkovysskii, R. L. & Sinai, Y. G. (1971). Ergodic properties of an ideal gas with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. Functional Analysis and Its Applications (Funktsional'nyi Analiz i Ego Prilozheniya), 5(3), 185-185. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  2. 3 days ago

    Mini: Talking With Myself

    You've probably noticed people talking to themselves and had some thought or comment about that. Perhaps something along the lines of: "That person might be crazy." Well, turns out it is much more normal than you might think. What do you talk to yourself about? Join our amazing fan club Links and References: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/talking-to-yourselfhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986836/https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/faculty-news/is-it-normal-to-talk-to-yourself--what-it-could-really-mean.htmlhttps://elemental.medium.com/why-talking-to-yourself-is-a-secret-superpower-5eff091b896chttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202502/7-benefits-of-talking-to-ourselves-aloudhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22647-2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11274574/ https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/62246/chapter-abstract/550947980?redirectedFrom=fulltext#550947980 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/17470218.2011.647039 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  3. 26 Aug

    Diagnoses: More Harm Than Good? With Dr. Stu Law pt. 1

    Diagnosing mental health has dramatically shaped how we think about and appraoch our thinking and treatment of mental health conditions. In some ways, this effect has had a profoundly helpful impact for many people. However, in many ways, this system has had a profoundly adverse impact. This episode kicks of a three-part series arguing that diagnoses for mental health have ultimately caused more harm than good. Dr. Stu Law is a special guest helping us understand what we gain and lose in the current system of diagnostic criteria used for taxonomizing mental health.  Recommendations Abraham: Within by Protest the Hero (https://protestthehero.bandcamp.com/album/within)Shane: Akai MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Board (https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-mk3/)Stu: Learning Process Based Therapy, The Anatomy of an Epidemic, Beyond the DSM, The Emperor’s New Drugs Holidays (8/26/2026): Congressional Startup DayMake Your Own Luck DayMusical Yoga DayNational Cherry Popsicle DayNational Dog DayNational Toilet Paper DayTug of War DayWilling to Lend a Hand WednesdayWomen’s Equality DayBe Kind to Humankind WeekBrake Safety WeekNational Safe at Home WeekWorld Water Week References: Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21.Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press.Beck, A. T., Davis, D. D., & Freeman, A. (Eds.). (2015). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. Guilford Publications.Beck, A. T., Emery, G., & Greenberg, R. L. (2005). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Basic Books.Beltz, A. M., & Gates, K. M. (2017). Network mapping with GIMME. Multivariate behavioral research, 52(6), 789-804.Birkhoff, G. D. (1931). Proof of the ergodic theorem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 17, 656-660.Brown, T. A., Campbell, L. A., Lehman, C. L., Grisham, J. R., & Mancill, R. B. (2001). Current and lifetime comorbidity of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders in a large clinical sample. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 110(4), 585–599. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.110.4.585Clark, L. A., Watson, D., & Reynolds, S. (1995). Diagnosis and classification of psychopathology: Challenges to the current system and future directions. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 121–153. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.46.020195.001005Fried, E. I. (2015). Problematic assumptions have slowed down depression research: why symptoms, not syndromes are the way forward. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 309.Fried, E. I., & Cramer, A. O. (2017). Moving forward: challenges and directions for psychopathological network theory and methodology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(6), 999-1020.Galizio, A., Frye, C. C., Haynes, J. M., Friedel, J. E., Smith, B. M., & Odum, A. L. (2018). Persistence and relapse of reinforced behavioral variability. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 109(1), 210-237.Galatzer-Levy, I. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). 636,120 Ways to Have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 651-662.Glick, I. D., Murray, S. R., Vasudevan, P., Marder, S. R., & Hu, R. J. (2001). Treatment with atypical antipsychotics: New indications and new populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 35(3), 187–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3956(01)00020-6.Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. W., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168.Hofmann, S. G., Curtiss, J., & McNally, R. J. (2016). A complex network perspective on clinical science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(5), 597-605.Hofmann, S. G., & Hayes, S. C. (2019). The future of intervention science: Process-based therapy. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(1), 37-50.Hofmann, S. G., Meuret, A. E., Rosenfield, D., Suvak, M. K., Barlow, D. H., Gorman, J. M., ... & Woods, S. W. (2007). Preliminary evidence for cognitive mediation during cognitive-behavioral therapy of panic disorder. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 75(3), 374.Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617.Newman, C. F., Leahy, R. L., Beck, A. T., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., & Gyulai, L. (2002). Bipolar disorder: A cognitive therapy approach. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10442-000.Lenzenweger, M. F., Lane, M. C., Loranger, A. W., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.019Molenaar, P. C. (2004). A manifesto on psychology as idiographic science: Bringing the person back into scientific psychology, this time forever. Measurement, 2(4), 201-218.Molenaar, P. C., & Campbell, C. G. (2009). The new person-specific paradigm in psychology. Current directions in psychological science, 18(2), 112-117.Meehl, P. E. (1978). Theoretical risks and tabular asterisks: Sir Karl, Sir Ronald, and the slow progress of soft psychology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(4), 806–834.McNally, R. J. (2012). The ontology of posttraumatic stress disorder: Natural kind, social construction, or causal system? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19, 220–228.Piccirillo, M. L., & Rodebaugh, T. L. (2019). Foundations of idiographic methods in psychology and applications for psychotherapy. Clinical psychology review.Popa, A., & McDowell, J. J. (2016). Behavioral variability in an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 105(2), 270-290.Sidman, M. (1952). A note on functional relations obtained from group data. Psychological Bulletin, 49(3), 263Volkovysskii, R. L. & Sinai, Y. G. (1971). Ergodic properties of an ideal gas with an infinite number of degrees of freedom. Functional Analysis and Its Applications (Funktsional'nyi Analiz i Ego Prilozheniya), 5(3), 185-185. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  4. 24 Aug

    Mini: No Homework

    There have been some advocates to reduce or eliminate homework altogether. It begs the question of what is the purpose of homework anyway? What would we lose by eliminating it? What do we gain by keeping it. We briefly explore the science and recommendations with respect to what is gained or lost by requiring homework. What are your thoughts? Join our super cool membership program on Patreon Links and References: https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/education-inequity-and-homework/https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-more-homework-means-more-stress-031114#Pressure-to-work-as-hard-as-adults-takes-a-tollhttps://time.com/4740297/homework-should-be-banned-from-schools/https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2014/03/too-much-homework-031014https://www.edutopia.org/visual-essay/the-pros-and-cons-of-homework-in-6-charts/https://www.hmhco.com/blog/benefits-of-no-homework?srsltid=AfmBOopoMq0OQcXz8KJUHLGU2FowSkNoJG2gxZV9RNB0ZM-Jf5Gk6TDWhttps://hub.jhu.edu/2024/01/17/are-we-assigning-too-much-homework/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409198/https://www.forbes.com/sites/yassprize/2025/10/23/no-homework-no-barriers/https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-case-for-and-against-homework  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  5. 19 Aug

    Functional Analysis pt. 4

    In the fourth and final installment of our series on Functional Analyses, we finally discuss some of the controversies and disagreements among practitioners. We also offer our own hot takes and personal opinions to bring further nuance, critique, and skepticism to the conversation. Let us know if you agree or disagree! Recommendations pt. 4 Abraham: Wingspan Pocket (https://stonemaiergames.com/games/wingspan/wingspan-pocket/)Shane: The Odyssey (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33764258/) Holidays (8/19/2026) International Bow DayInternational Orangutan DayNational Aviation DayNational Hot and Spicy Food DayNational Medical Dosimetrist DayNational Root Beer Float DayNational Sandcastle and Sculpture DayNational Soft Ice Cream DayPotato DayWorld Humanitarian DayWorld Photography DayMinority Enterprise Development Week Links and References:  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmedhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmedhttps://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recordinghttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841258/ Hanley, G. (2012). BAP https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284147/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11317985/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.106  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  6. 17 Aug

    Mini: The Weirdest Thing We Believe

    In a totally unscripted, candid conversation, we ask one another: what is the weirdest thing you believe? It's a conversation bound to leave you a little surprised, confused, and maybe disappointed. Or maybe thinking about things a little differntly. What's the weirdest thing you believe? We did not use any references for this! Click Here to Support us on Patreon! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  7. 12 Aug

    Functional Analysis pt. 3

    This is the third installment in what will turn out to be a four-part series on the functional anlaysis technology employed by behavior analysts to identify casues and motivations for challenging behavior, particularly among those with disabilities who lack strategies to communicate their needs. That was a very long sentence. This discussion breaks down some of the innovations that were developed in Functional Analysis (FA) implementation strategies.  Recommendations pt. 3Abraham: Spider-man: Brand New Day (https://www.marvel.com/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day)Shane: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (https://www.bonorong.com.au/) Holidays (8/12/2026):Baseball Fans DayIBM PC DayInternational Youth DayJulienne Fries DayMiddle Child DayNational Sewing Machine DayTruck Driver DayVinyl Record DayWorld Calligraphy DayWorld Elephant DayElvis WeekNational Bargain Hunting WeekNational Resurrect Romance WeekSafe + Sound Week Links and References: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1994.27-197?sid=nlm%3Apubmedhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111?sid=nlm%3Apubmedhttps://scubed.io/blog/aba-data-collection-methods-explained-frequency-duration-and-interval-recordinghttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-175 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaba.7 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jaba.2008.41-97 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07263869500035621 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4841258/ Hanley, G. (2012). BAP https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284147/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11317985/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.106  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

  8. 10 Aug

    Midlife Crisis

    Are you already skeptical? Do you think you know? Are you a true believer? We take a scientific lens to the idea of the midlife crisis. Consider that this might be cultural, which would indicate that it is not inevitable or inherent. This further leads us to the conclusion that it is circumstantial... if it even exists at all. We'll explain the research and understanding behind the commonly accepted idea that many people experience a dramatic shift as they enter their middle years.  Click Here to Join our Patreon membership! Links and References: https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/midlife-crisishttps://www.meawisdom.com/midlife-crisis-men/https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/midlife-crisis-psychologyhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/10/14/health/midlife-crisis-the-conversation-wellnesshttps://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/probing-question-mid-life-crisis-mythhttps://www.apa.org/monitor/apr03/researchershttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/midlife-reimagined/202310/the-7-biggest-myths-about-midlife  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support. Support our podcast: www.patreon.com/wwdwwdpodcast

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About

We explain popular and weird, little-known ideas in psychology. Whether you are a little curious about psychology, or a student, or even a professional, we have something for everyone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/why-we-do-what-we-do--3419521/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Abraham
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    613
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Context Media
  • Show Website
    Why We Do What We Do

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