Cognitive Theory

Why do we want to justify our decisions, even if they appear to be irrational? The answer lies in cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort we experience when we hold two contradictory beliefs at the same time. In A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, first published in 1957, American social psychologist Leon Festinger investigates the problem. Festinger puts forward the idea that we have developed mechanisms to try to deal with the stress brought on by cognitive dissonance.

Toward a Cognitive Theory of Narrative Acts brings together in one volume cutting-edge research that turns to recent findings in cognitive and neurobiological sciences, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and evolutionary biology, among other disciplines, to explore and understand more deeply various cultural phenomena, including art, music, literature, and film. The essays fulfilling this task for the general listener as well as the specialist are written by renowned authors.

This book is about the abuse of words to attack someone’s character and delegitimize their opinion or ideas. It’s about how narcissistic people control and manipulate everyone around them, even the citizens of an entire nation. Just whisper a phrase from a long list of so-called conspiracy theories, and watch how the vast majority of Americans within earshot are triggered and immediately attack your character. They typically refuse to humbly and intelligently discuss the facts, and they aggressively come at you with the passion of someone whose most sacred beliefs have been assaulted. ...

Complex problem solving is at the very top of the list of essential skills for career progression in the modern world. But how problem solving is taught in our schools, universities, businesses, and organizations comes up short. In Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything, you'll learn the seven-step systematic approach to creative problem solving developed in top consulting firms that will work in any field or industry, turning you into a highly sought-after, bulletproof problem solver who can tackle challenges at which others balk.

The phrase “conspiracy theory” is a weapon disguised as mere words, but it is a tool crafted to deceive and manipulate on a massive scale. People toss it around carelessly, unaware of the havoc it can unleash. The phrase strikes like a silent assassin, tearing down credibility, breeding distrust, and obscuring the truth. It’s a weapon forged not for defense but for destruction, with far-reaching consequences that ripple through minds and societies alike. The true power of this insidious phrase has gone dangerously unrecognized by the vast majority. The power of this phrase, “...

This audiobook will seek to define cognitive dissonance as it relates to narcissists, toxic people, psychopaths, and other mentally ill or personality-disordered individuals. It will also define the cognitive dissonance that causes victims to stay with their narcissistic spouse or partner. The purpose of toxic and narcissistic people is seemingly to harm and take advantage of others. We look at them as being the "evil" side of humanity, but we often don't realize why they chose the "dark" side.

Whether you load your iPod with Bach or Bono, music has a significant role in your life - even if you never realized it. Why does music evoke such powerful moods? The answers are at last becoming clear, thanks to revolutionary neuroscience and the emerging field of evolutionary psychology. Both a cutting-edge study and a tribute to the beauty of music itself, This Is Your Brain on Music unravels a host of mysteries that affect everything from pop culture to our understanding of human nature.

In 1994, Reviving Ophelia was published, and it shone a much-needed spotlight on the problems faced by adolescent girls. The approach Pipher and Gilliam take in this new edition is just what it was in the original: a timely, listenable combination of insightful research and real-world examples that illuminate the challenges young women face and the ways to address them. This updated Reviving Ophelia looks at 21st century adolescent girls through fresh eyes, with insights and ideas that will help new generations of listeners.

Why are many readers drawn to stories that texture ethnic experiences and identities other than their own? How do authors such as Salman Rushdie and Maxine Hong Kingston, or filmmakers in Bollywood or Mexico City produce complex fiction that satisfies audiences worldwide? In Analyzing World Fiction, 15 renowned luminaries use tools of narratology and insights from cognitive science and neurobiology to provide answers to these questions and more.

Demystify the core concepts of cognitive psychology. Written specifically for psychology students - and not other academics - Cognitive Psychology for Dummies is an accessible and entertaining introduction to the field. Unlike the dense and jargon-laden content found in most psychology textbooks, this practical guide provides listeners with easy-to-understand explanations of the fundamental elements of cognitive psychology so that they are able obtain a firm grasp of the material.

If you find yourself constantly replaying negative thoughts and seeking clarity, this collection will guide you in transforming those spirals into a path of empowerment and growth Ever feel like your brain just won't shut up? Like you're stuck on a hamster wheel of worry and stress? If you're tired of second-guessing everything, and struggling to find peace, then How to Stop Overthinking is here to help. Imagine finally breaking free from your own thoughts, and overcoming your doubts and fears, so you can create a life you deserve. Bestselling author Layla Moon will help you achieve just ...

AlphaGo and the Philosophy of Mind is a thought-provoking exploration of the principles of machine learning and its application in the strategy game of Go. This book takes readers through the history of Go and its importance in the world of AI, looking at the philosophical implications of advancing technology and the implications of AlphaGo’s victory over the world’s Go champion. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of AI and machine learning.

Consciousness and Shamanism is the result of the author's Ayahuasca voyage in 2004 to Ecuador, where he was drinking the sacred brew in the presence of an experienced Shuar shaman. He puts up the hypothesis that when the traditional Ayahuasca brew is ingested, it is not, or not directly, the plant's DMT that causes the spiritual voyage as it is assumed in the overwhelming part of the literature on shamanism and entheogens. It is the shaman's super-consciousness impacting directly upon the consciousness of the shaman's client, the seeker of truth who comes to drink the brew.

Psychologist Gwendoline Smith explains in clear and accessible language the concepts of positive and negative overthinking, the truth about worry, and how to deal with the "thought viruses" that are holding you back. She helps you understand what’s going on in your head—using examples, anecdotes, and plenty of humor—and she offers powerful strategies for addressing your issues. Based on cognitive behavioral theory, this book will help you combat anxious thought patterns in all areas of your life: from your personal life to relationships and work.

Spending your life as though you’re trapped inside your mind? So many people live their lives trapped in endless loops of thinking. It’s a pandemic with symptoms of stress, worry, and anxiety affecting every aspect of our lives, and if you’re reading this, then you surely know what this feels like. Chances are you’ve reached the point where you’re ready to let go of worry, stress, and anxiety and ultimately cease your overthinking. Once you open this door, you can walk into a new life filled with happiness, peace, satisfaction, and productivity. You step into the life you actually...

Drawing on decades of research into decision-making under uncertainty, Gerd Gigerenzer makes a compelling case for the enduring importance of human discernment in an automated world that we are told can - and will - replace our efforts. Filled with practical examples and cutting-edge research, How to Stay Smart in a Smart World examines the growing role of AI at all levels of daily life with refreshing clarity. This book is a life raft in a sea of information and an urgent invitation to actively shape the digital world in which we want to live.

What does it mean to "know" something? While the answer to this question has been traditionally defined by the content of an individual's mind, artificial intelligence technology, or AI, has the potential to completely redefine the notion. In no context are discussions of "what it means to know" more relevant than in those surrounding individuals with cognitive disabilities - unique individuals who struggle with knowing daily.

Aprenda a tener el control de su vida a través de un conocimiento profundo de la motivación. ¿Qué es la motivación? ¿Por qué nos sentimos totalmente paralizados para hacer determinadas cosas y completamente incapaces de abandonar otras? Mucha gente concluye, de forma equivocada, que es perezosa o carente de fuerza de voluntad. Pero de lo que realmente carece es de una correcta comprensión de cómo actúa su propia mente, de la motivación y del modo en que esta opera. Este libro es un manual de autoayuda y presenta un análisis riguroso de la psicología de la motivación. Le ...

Coscienza e Sciamanesimo: Esperienze Cognitive nella Trance Ayahuasca e Teorie della Loro Causa è il risultato del viaggio ayahuasca dell’autore nel 2004 in Ecuador, dove stava bevendo la sacra bevanda alla presenza di un esperto sciamano Shuar.

In Hidden Games, MIT economists Moshe Hoffman and Erez Yoeli find a surprising middle ground between the hyperrationality of classical economics and the hyper-irrationality of behavioural economics. They call it hidden games. Reviving game theory, Hoffman and Yoeli use it to explain our most puzzling behaviour, from the mechanics of Stockholm syndrome and internalised misogyny to why we help strangers and have a sense of fairness.