Are you sure you’re seeing reality? (Richard Wiseman)

December 27, 2012

Brilliant Richard Wiseman short.

TAM London 2009: Richard Wiseman's tricks

TAM London 2009: Richard Wiseman’s tricks (Photo credit: prokrastinuft)

In a time when about half of Americans incorrectly believe the national government is “broke,” and a similar number believe that government should aid rich people but not poor people, and an astonishing number believe that Americans will stop working if they don’t get tax breaks fast, we might want to question whether we’re seeing things realistically.

Wiseman shows how our view may be distorted:

So, we should wonder:  How can we tell whether our views are distorted?

And:  Are our views distorted?  How can we account for that, or amend it?

More:

1 Comment | Illusions, Reality | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell

The old waiter and tablecloth trick, with a twist

January 20, 2012

As almost always, spending a few minutes at Richard Wiseman’s blog produces interesting stuff.

Here’s a twist on the old trick performed by “fab juggler Mat Ricardo” (Wiseman’s description).  Ricardo’s trick, to me, makes the commercial message much more palatable — do you agree?

3 Comments | Illusions, psychology | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell

Cool stuff: Richard Wiseman’s Top 10 Science Party Tricks for Christmas

December 9, 2009

I especially like pouring the carbon dioxide to put out the candles:

Wiseman’s blog is worth visiting from time to time — especially if you’re a teacher.

Leave a Comment » | Education, Lesson plans, Science | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Ed Darrell