Alan Jern Ph.D.

About

Alan Jern, Ph.D., is a cognitive scientist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Recent Posts

Should TV Accurately Reflect Real Life?

A new report on death on TV suggests that unrepresentative depictions of death may give people unrealistic expectations about the dying process. But does TV need to be realistic?

On NBC's "The Irrational," Psychology Solves Crimes

The show does a solid job presenting classic psychological concepts clearly and accurately, despite its ties to a psychologist under scrutiny.

A New TV Series Highlights the Costs of Avoidance

A new BritBox comedy series, "Avoidance," offers a fun, sweet, and thoughtful take on the cost of avoiding difficult things.

So Long to a Show That Celebrated Human Weirdness

"How To with John Wilson" recently concluded its fantastic three-season run. Its overarching message? We're surrounded by weirdness every day.

Is Forgiveness as Easy as ‘Ted Lasso’ Made It Seem?

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

People Are More Gullible Than We Expect

We frequently rely on others for information about how to act, which is nicely illustrated in the wild and weird new series "Jury Duty."

We frequently rely on others for information about how to act, which is nicely illustrated in the wild and weird new series "Jury Duty."

Why Do We Care So Much About Endings?

The part of us that remembers places extra weight on the ends of experiences.

The part of us that remembers places extra weight on the ends of experiences.

What "Poker Face" Gets Wrong About Lie Detection

In real life, most people are pretty lousy lie detectors.

In real life, most people are pretty lousy lie detectors.

'Paul T. Goldman' Shows the Strengths of Case Studies

A bizarre Peacock series unintentionally demonstrates the strengths (and a few weaknesses) of case studies.

A bizarre Peacock series unintentionally demonstrates the strengths (and a few weaknesses) of case studies.

The Power of Low Expectations

Expectations can affect your experience. But research suggests that being pleasantly surprised (due to low expectations) is especially powerful.

Expectations can affect your experience. But research suggests that being pleasantly surprised (due to low expectations) is especially powerful.