University of Cambridge > Talks.cam > Social Psychology Seminar Series (SPSS) > Not born Yesterday: Why humans are less gullible than we think

Not born Yesterday: Why humans are less gullible than we think

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

  • UserDr Hugo Mercier (Jean Nicod Institute, CNRS)
  • ClockWednesday 13 October 2021, 15:00-16:30
  • Housevia zoom .

If you have a question about this talk, please contact David Young.

It is often thought that humans are gullible, easily manipulated by demagogues, advertisers, and politicians. I will argue that the opposite is true: humans are equipped with a set of psychological mechanisms that allow them to properly evaluate communicated information, and to reject information that is false or harmful. I will rely on experimental psychology data, as well as studies showing the failures of mass persuasion, from Nazi propaganda to American presidential campaigns. I will also suggest that, with the right argument, people can be persuaded to acquire more accurate beliefs.

Please note the earlier-than-usual start time of 3pm

Click-through for the Zoom link: https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/study/current-postgraduates/spss-joining-details

This talk is part of the Social Psychology Seminar Series (SPSS) series.

Tell a friend about this talk:

This talk is included in these lists:

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.

 

© 2006-2024 Talks.cam, University of Cambridge. Contact Us | Help and Documentation | Privacy and Publicity