Class #205 – A Psychologist Goes to the Movies with Dr. Alexander Swan
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Alexander Swan about a book he performed for Audible titled, A Psychologist Goes to the Movies and his CinemaPsych Podcast. We discuss how movies help teach about pyschology in and out of the classroom. Video of this visit is available at . I hope you enjoy and thank you for listening!
Filed under My Updates, SciComm
If you’re interested in psychology and film (my CinemaPsych Podcast), check out this video interview from MovieWeb! While spooky season 2025 has ended, Sinners is still available to stream!
Filed under My Updates, SciComm
Movies have the astonishing ability to show us our world in a whole new light. They can help us understand tough concepts and even allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes. In particular, as Alexander Swan has discovered through his work with his students, movies can enlighten us about the workings of our own minds.
In the six lectures of A Psychologist Goes to the Movies, taught by Dr. Swan, you’ll see what films can tell us about the human mind, from the experience of amnesia to the ethics of psychological research and so much more. Featuring six movies from a variety of genres, styles, and periods, these lectures will give you the opportunity to explore the principles of psychology and consider fascinating neurological theories through the immersive magic of the silver screen.
From “Office Space” to “A Clockwork Orange” to “Inside Out,” the films featured in this course will demonstrate the inner workings of the mind in ways that will surprise and intrigue you. And not only will you probe these films for their psychological insights, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of the way movies achieve their vision through the lens of psychology and enrich your overall filmgoing experience.
©2025 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.
Filed under My Updates, SciComm
The media appearances and science communication keep on rolling… I was featured in Science Vs‘s podcast episode on Personality Assessment, as the guy with harsh things to say about the MBTI!
Check out this link for the transcript to find what I had to say!
Filed under My Updates, Personality Assessment, SciComm
Off another appearance on the Korean English-radio show Morning Wave in Busan, I had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), much like a character in a movie, offers a simple and relatable way to categorize personalities into 16 types. Its widespread appeal lies in its ability to provide a framework for understanding ourselves and others. However, this popularity is shadowed by significant criticisms about its scientific validity, particularly its oversimplified binary approach to the complex spectrum of human personality.
Despite these concerns, the MBTI has found a place in various societal contexts, including job interviews in countries like Korea. While it can be a useful tool for self-awareness and understanding interpersonal dynamics, it’s crucial to use it cautiously, especially in professional settings. The MBTI, like a captivating movie, should be enjoyed for its insights while being mindful of its limitations in accurately representing the full scope of human behavior.
Here’s the video interview (it’s linked to the right timecode):
Filed under My Updates, Personality Assessment, SciComm
