Mind myths - Definition and Overview

Mind myths are common myths and misconceptions about the mind and brain, which have been perpetuated through urban legend, the media, and the sale of dubious products to consumers.

Common mind myths include:

• Humans use only 10% or 1% of their brain
• Mental abilities are seperated into the left and right cerebral hemispheres
• Creativity can be easily developed using the simple brainstorming/lateral thinking techniques
• Increased age leads to reduced mental ability
• Learning can be achieved more powerfully through subliminal influence techniques
• Hypnosis can lead to perfect recall of details

Mind myths often rely on pseudoscience for support, are sometimes promoted through popular psychology, and are frequently exploited to sell products. They often refer to out of date, unsupported, or out of context research that has long since been disproved. Research has shown that mind myths are persistent in popular culture due to the intuitive nature of human understanding, in contrast with the probabilistic nature of scientific knowledge.

See also

• Snake oil
• Quackery

References

• Mind Myths: Exploring Popular Assumptions About the Mind and Brain, by Sergio Della Sala, 1999 (ISBN 0471983039)