-
Why We Believe Obvious Untruths
The New York Times: How can so many people believe things that are demonstrably false? The question has taken on new urgency as the Trump administration propagates falsehoods about voter fraud, climate change and crime statistics that large swaths of the population have bought into. But collective delusion is not new, nor is it the sole province of the political right. Plenty of liberals believe, counter to scientific consensus, that G.M.O.s are poisonous, and that vaccines cause autism. The situation is vexing because it seems so easy to solve. The truth is obvious if you bother to look for it, right?
-
No evidence to back idea of learning styles
The Guardian: There is widespread interest among teachers in the use of neuroscientific research findings in educational practice. However, there are also misconceptions and myths that are supposedly based on sound neuroscience that are prevalent in our schools. We wish to draw attention to this problem by focusing on an educational practice supposedly based on neuroscience that lacks sufficient evidence and so we believe should not be promoted or supported. Generally known as “learning styles”, it is the belief that individuals can benefit from receiving information in their preferred format, based on a self-report questionnaire.
-
Imagining Dialogue Can Boost Critical Thinking
Examining an issue as a debate or dialogue between two sides helps people apply deeper, more sophisticated reasoning when thinking about that issue.
-
Anger Derails Negotiations, Unless You Have a Plan
Angry negotiators can make irrational decisions that lead to lower offers, but researchers from Saarland University demonstrate that a simple self-regulation plan can help cooler heads prevail.
-
When Cooler Heads Prevail
It can be hard to keep your cool on days when the temperature soars. Long lines at the store seem harder to bear, and that constant pencil-tapping from your office mate is just a touch
-
Psychological Science Informs American Academy of Arts and Sciences Recommendations on Language Learning
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has released a new report on language education in the United States, with a psychological research perspective informing the findings and recommendations. The report, produced by the Commission on Language Learning convened by the Academy, marks the first national study of language learning in 30 years and came at the request of a bipartisan group of US senators and representatives interested in how language learning influences economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and the productivity of future generations. The 18-member commission included a variety of language experts, including APS Fellow Philip Rubin.
