Bias in Psychology and Introductory Psychology Textbooks

Abstract

This article critically examines recent claims that contemporary psychology in America can be characterized as biased in the directions of behaviorism, environmentalism, and left-wing ideology. These allegations of bias are based upon a survey of introductory psychology textbooks conducted by Robert Hogan and David Schroeder. We recognize the importance of monitoring one's own discipline, and the vehicles that introduce the discipline to students. However, it is our contention that critiques such as Hogan and Schroeder's ought to be examined closely, especially during these times of waning federal support for the social sciences and social programs. Psychologists can ill afford to allow their discipline and profession to be placed in further political jeopardy needlessly. Analysis of the Hogan-Schroeder survey, and results from a survey of our own, seriously question the generality of Hogan and Schroeder's claims of bias in psychology.