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Thoughts on Thinking

Critical thinking in everyday life

Psychology
The Psychology of Ghost Stories

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on October 16, 2024

Ghost stories have been around for thousands of years and continue to evolve; they’re fun, fulfill innate psychological pleasure, and provide valuable life lessons.

Ghost stories have been around for thousands of years and continue to evolve; they’re fun, fulfill innate psychological pleasure, and provide valuable life lessons.

Cognition
Social Barriers to Critical Thinking

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on August 13, 2024

We must be cautious of people who let their ideology and self-interest frame their thinking and use social constructs to discourage actual critical thinking.

We must be cautious of people who let their ideology and self-interest frame their thinking and use social constructs to discourage actual critical thinking.

Jealousy
Why Others’ Success Sometimes Irritates Us

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on July 11, 2024

Though we’re all likely to exhibit "gluckschmerz" from time to time, it’s not often in our best interest to publicly display it, despite it being a pretty natural reaction.

Though we’re all likely to exhibit "gluckschmerz" from time to time, it’s not often in our best interest to publicly display it, despite it being a pretty natural reaction.

Career
Critically Thinking About “Citing Up”

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on June 12, 2024

"Citing up" likely stems from implicit bias toward what researchers are familiar with as established and credible, and new research may be more forgettable unless impactful.

"Citing up" likely stems from implicit bias toward what researchers are familiar with as established and credible, and new research may be more forgettable unless impactful.

Procrastination
Is Procrastination a Coping Mechanism or Symptom?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on April 30, 2024

Just because procrastination can be a coping strategy doesn’t make it a good excuse or mean that it’s an adaptive coping mechanism. Developing better strategies is vital.

Just because procrastination can be a coping strategy doesn’t make it a good excuse or mean that it’s an adaptive coping mechanism. Developing better strategies is vital.

Cognition
One Worthwhile New Year’s Resolution: Organisation

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on January 12, 2024

Personal Perspective: I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but, if you are the type that feels it necessary to have one, make it about organisation.

Personal Perspective: I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but, if you are the type that feels it necessary to have one, make it about organisation.

Cognition
Why Expertise Is Better Than "Lots of Experience"

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on November 9, 2023

Doing something for many years doesn't make you an expert. Understanding the difference between experience and expertise is crucial for real-world decision-making.

Doing something for many years doesn't make you an expert. Understanding the difference between experience and expertise is crucial for real-world decision-making.

Cognition
Is Avoiding Stupidity Better Than Seeking Brilliance?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on October 19, 2023

Avoiding stupidity has its benefits; seeking brilliance takes hard work. Which is better might depend on the context but, either way, "easier" does not mean "better."

Avoiding stupidity has its benefits; seeking brilliance takes hard work. Which is better might depend on the context but, either way, "easier" does not mean "better."

Creativity
Is Thinking Outside the Box Really That Helpful?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on September 7, 2023

Despite having developed a romanticized perspective on thinking outside the box, the practice isn't often appropriate when critical thinking is the goal.

Despite having developed a romanticized perspective on thinking outside the box, the practice isn't often appropriate when critical thinking is the goal.