Expertise
John Coley for Northeastern Global News
Human exceptionalism hinders environmental action, Northeastern scientists conclude
The majority of people draw a sharp line between themselves and what is considered nature, Northeastern researchers find.
COVID-19 misconceptions are hard to fight. Cognitive psychology might help spot why people get the coronavirus wrong.
When it comes to learning about the coronavirus, “common sense” can lead to crucial misconceptions. John Coley, an associate professor of psychology, is studying those misconceptions in children to help fight misinformation about COVID-19.
Professor lives out rock star fantasy
John Coley, a psychology professor who moonlights as a bassist in a blues-rock band, reflects on the adrenaline rush of playing for a live audience. “After the show you feel so revved up,” he says. “You go home and you can’t fall asleep for hours.”
What’s on your summer reading list? Here’s what faculty are digging into
Whether you prefer to breeze through a half-dozen beach reads or challenge your intellectual acumen with a couple 800-page brain-busters, the summer months provide a unique opportunity to explore what the literary world has to offer. Here’s what a handful of faculty are reading these days.
Why biology students have misconceptions about science
Cognitive scientist John Coley has helped unlock why misconceptions persist in science education—research that could change the way instructors teach and improve how students learn science.
3Qs: Our fascination with mystery
Psychology professor John Coley discusses how the need for explanation can drive society—and perhaps the media—to be consumed with curiosity into the unknown, like with the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.
How chemists think
Complex decision-making requires us to select the most important information and throw out the rest, according to John Coley, an associate professor of psychology.