Christopher Chabris

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Christopher Chabris October 2012

Christopher Chabris is an American cognitive psychologist known for his research in the field of cognitive psychology, intelligence, and decision making. He is best known for co-authoring "The Invisible Gorilla," a book that explores how our intuitions deceive us, with Daniel Simons. The book is based on a famous experiment conducted by Chabris and Simons, which highlights the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, where individuals fail to perceive an unexpected stimulus that is in plain sight.

Early Life and Education

Christopher Chabris completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where he developed an interest in the workings of the human mind and how people perceive and misperceive reality. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University, focusing on cognitive science and how cognitive processes influence decision making and intelligence.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Chabris embarked on an academic career that saw him hold positions at several prestigious institutions. He has served as a professor at Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he has conducted much of his notable research. Chabris's work spans various aspects of cognitive psychology, including the study of intelligence, the effectiveness of brain training programs, and the cognitive underpinnings of cooperative behavior in humans.

One of Chabris's most significant contributions to cognitive psychology is the "Invisible Gorilla" experiment, which he conducted with Daniel Simons. In this study, participants watched a video of people passing basketballs and were asked to count the number of passes made by one of the teams. During the video, a person in a gorilla suit walks through the scene, but the majority of participants, focused on counting passes, fail to notice the gorilla. This experiment has become a classic demonstration of inattentional blindness and has been widely cited in discussions about human perception and the limits of intuitive thinking.

Publications

Chabris has authored and co-authored numerous articles and papers in scientific journals, but he is perhaps best known for his book "The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us," co-authored with Daniel Simons. The book expands on the themes of the original experiment, exploring various ways in which our intuitions can lead us astray and the implications of these findings for everyday life and decision making.

Impact and Legacy

Christopher Chabris's work has had a significant impact on the field of cognitive psychology, particularly in the areas of perception, intelligence, and decision making. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the cognitive biases and limitations that influence human behavior and decision-making processes. The "Invisible Gorilla" experiment, in particular, has become a staple in psychology courses and has influenced how psychologists and the public understand attention and perception.

See Also

• Cognitive Psychology
• Inattentional Blindness
• Intelligence
• Decision Making