Debunking psychology myths and misconceptions, with Erin Smith, PhD

Psychological misconceptions, such as the belief that individuals are left-brained or that sugar causes hyperactivity, persist among college students despite formal education. Developmental psychologist Dr. Erin Smith explains that these myths remain pervasive due to repeated exposure, social media echo chambers, and the human tendency to favor information that aligns with personal desires. While these beliefs may seem trivial, they carry significant societal consequences, influencing individual agency and policy decisions. Effectively debunking these misconceptions requires active learning strategies that encourage students to reason through evidence rather than passively receiving corrections. Navigating modern information environments demands intellectual humility and rigorous evaluation of sources, as the ability to revise one’s understanding in light of new, accurate data—often using frameworks like the CRAAP test—is a hallmark of mature cognitive development.