Ghosts of Theories Past: How Intuitive Theories Compete with the Scientific Theories that “Replace” Them, by Andrew Shtulman
Summary Ghosts of Theories Past: How Intuitive Theories Compete with the Scientific Theories that “Replace” Them
Before learning science, we construct intuitive theories of the natural world. Intuitive theories function similarly to scientific theories, furnishing us with explanations and predictions, but they are less accurate and less precise. In this talk, I will show how intuitive theories survive the acquisition of scientific theories, competing with those theories to provide inferences about the same phenomena. While we can learn to privilege science over intuition, we cannot eliminate the conflict between them, as revealed by priming studies, training studies, and studies with science experts. I will explore the dynamics of this conflict, its cognitive underpinnings, and its implications for theories of conceptual change.
Short Biography
Andrew SHTULMAN is a Professor of Psychology at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. His research explores conceptual development and conceptual change, particularly as they relate to science education. He is the recipient of an Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation and an Understanding Human Cognition Scholar Award from the James S. McDonnell Foundation. Dr. Shtulman is also the author of Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong (Basic Books, 2017).
WARNING CHANGED LOCATION : This seminar will in Salle des thèses – Jacob Building – 5th floor