How to Spot Pseudoscience: A Guide to Avoiding the Trap

We live in a world where information is at our fingertips. With just a quick scroll, we’re bombarded with advice on how to live better, eat “cleaner”, sleep deeper, and “hack” our brains. Some of it is sound and grounded in research. But some—often the most seductive—falls into the realm of pseudoscience.

As a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing it can be to separate solid evidence from flashy claims. Pseudoscience can look and feel persuasive, but it often misleads people and can even cause harm. The good news is: with a few simple tools, you can become a savvy consumer of information.

What Exactly Is Pseudoscience?

Pseudoscience is information that presents itself as scientific but doesn’t follow the rules of science.

True science relies on rigorous testing, peer review, replication, and openness to being proven wrong. Pseudoscience often skips these steps but still dresses itself up in the language of science—using graphs, jargon, or testimonials to look credible.

Think of it like a knock-off handbag: it might resemble the real thing from a distance, but the stitching doesn’t hold up under closer inspection.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

When it comes to health and psychology, some warning signs of pseudoscience include:

• Overblown promises: “This supplement will cure everything from anxiety to arthritis.”
• Reliance on anecdotes: Stories of individuals who “swear by it” instead of well-designed studies.
• Cherry-picked evidence: Quoting one small or outdated study while ignoring the bulk of research.
• Overuse of jargon: Terms like “quantum healing” or “emotional detox” that sound scientific but don’t explain anything measurable.
• Resistance to criticism: If anyone who questions the claim is dismissed as “close-minded,” that’s a red flag.
• Resistance to change: Science evolves, and is constantly updated. If an approach hasn’t changed or been improved upon in decades, that’s another red flag.

A quick mental checklist of these signs can help you pause before investing your time, money, or hope.

Why We’re Drawn to Pseudoscience

It’s easy to wonder: why do so many smart, thoughtful people get tempted by pseudoscientific claims? The answer lies in our brains.

Human beings are wired to look for patterns and meaning, even where none exists (that’s why we see faces in neutral stimuli like cars, fruit or buildings). We’re also deeply influenced by stories—so when someone shares a dramatic recovery tale, it sticks more than abstract statistics. Add to that our desire for hope, certainty, and simple solutions to complex problems, and pseudoscience becomes incredibly appealing.

There’s another important layer too. For many people, women in particular, symptoms have historically been dismissed or minimised by mainstream medicine. If you’ve been told “it’s all in your head” or felt unheard by professionals, the pull of an alternative approach that takes your experience seriously can be very powerful. Pseudoscientific claims often offer validation and certainty in situations where medical answers feel uncertain or lacking.

Understanding these dynamics isn’t about feeling silly. It’s about recognising that our brains and our lived experiences shape what feels trustworthy. Once you know the “why,” it becomes easier to pause before clicking “buy now.”

Common Pseudoscience in Psychology

Psychology has its fair share of pseudoscientific spin. Some examples include:

• Personality quizzes that promise deep truths: Fun, yes. Reliable predictors of your future, not so much.
• Therapies claiming instant cures: Psychological healing usually takes time and consistent effort.
• Learning style “diagnoses”: The idea that everyone has one fixed style through which they learn best (e.g. “visual learners” vs “auditory learners”). Although some people might have a preference, research shows people benefit more from varied teaching approaches, not rigid labels.
• Brain-training apps marketed as miracle workers: Some may sharpen specific skills with practice, but they won’t transform your global IQ or memory overnight.
• Fixed “left-brain vs right-brain” personalities: The idea that people are either logical “left-brainers” or creative “right-brainers.” While different brain regions do have specialised roles, research shows the brain works as an integrated whole.
• “Mind detox” programs: Your brain doesn’t need detoxing; it already has systems to reset and regulate.
• The ‘Lunar Effect’: The idea that the full moon is linked to mood, menstruation and increased aggression has been conclusively disproven (we discuss this more here!)

Knowing these trends helps you approach new fads with curiosity, but also with a healthy dose of scepticism.

The Role of Critical Curiosity

Being sceptical doesn’t mean being cynical. Cynicism dismisses everything as nonsense, while critical curiosity asks: Could this be true? What’s the evidence?

Science itself evolves—what we know now may be updated tomorrow (like when poor Pluto was downgraded from full ‘planet’ status). But that’s the strength of genuine science: it changes when stronger evidence emerges. Pseudoscience, on the other hand, clings tightly to its claims, no matter what.

So rather than shutting down curiosity, nurture it. Question, explore, and learn; healthy scepticism is part of genuine growth.

How to Fact-Check Like a Pro

Here are some quick tips to help you avoid being duped:

1. Pause before purchase: Ask, “Who benefits if I believe this?” If the answer is “someone selling me something,” proceed carefully. Also beware of urgency in advertising, phrases like “limited time only” are marketing tactics, not science.
2. Balance personal stories with data: Stories can inspire, but they don’t replace evidence gained through proper study of what works across many people.
3. Look for quality sources: Is there a reference to actual research? Can you find the original study? Was it published in a peer-reviewed medical or psychology journal, or is it just on a blog or self-published website?
4. See if it’s replicated: One promising trial is a start, but findings need to be repeated before we can trust them. If you put the key words into Google Scholar, can you find other studies finding the same or similar things?
5. Consult reliable organisations: The Australian Psychological Society, Beyond Blue, or government health sites like HealthDirect are good starting points. It can be handy to bookmark sites that you trust so that you don’t have to start from scratch each time.
6. Ask a professional: If something sounds intriguing but confusing, check in with your GP or psychologist.

This doesn’t mean you need to become a full-time researcher. A quick habit of checking “where did this claim come from?” goes a long way. Think of it like applying sunscreen—you don’t wait until you’re burnt to protect yourself. These habits guard against harm before it happens.

Final Thoughts: Empowering, Not Limiting

Spotting pseudoscience isn’t about fearing every new idea or being “anti-alternative.” It’s about empowerment. When you know how to ask the right questions, you free yourself to explore without being misled.

Psychology, medicine, and science more broadly offer powerful tools to improve our lives—but only if we can separate tested facts from unproven claims. Staying curious, sceptical, and open-minded is the best way forward.

If you’re curious to learn more about how to be a savvy online consumer, we have another blog on how to spot misinformation on social media here. If you’d like to learn more about pseudoscience in healthcare, the podcast Maintenance Phase does a fantastic job!