Ideas worth spreading

Beware neuro-bunk

1,424,447 views |

Molly Crockett |

TEDSalon London Fall 2012

• November 2012

Brains are ubiquitous in modern marketing: Headlines proclaim cheese sandwiches help with decision-making, while a “neuro” drink claims to reduce stress. There’s just one problem, says neuroscientist Molly Crockett: The benefits of these "neuro-enhancements" are not proven scientifically. In this to-the-point talk, Crockett explains the limits of interpreting neuroscientific data, and why we should all be aware of them.

Brains are ubiquitous in modern marketing: Headlines proclaim cheese sandwiches help with decision-making, while a “neuro” drink claims to reduce stress. There’s just one problem, says neuroscientist Molly Crockett: The benefits of these "neuro-enhancements" are not proven scientifically. In this to-the-point talk, Crockett explains the limits of interpreting neuroscientific data, and why we should all be aware of them.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Molly Crockett

See speaker profile

Neuroscientist Molly Crockett studies altruism, morality and value-based decision-making in humans.

The Guardian | Explore

I write this blog alongside Chris Chambers, Pete Etchells and Nathalia Gjersoe. We de-mystify common misconceptions about psychology in the media and popular culture.

| Explore

With a wicked sense of humor, the NeuroBollocks blog debunks the claims behind products, treatments and ad campaigns that misrepresent neuroscience. No neuromarketer is safe!

| Article

Discover magazine's blog about bad science critically examines the claims of new findings in psychology and neuroscience. If you're interested in the science behind hyped-up headlines, Neuroskeptic will give you the straight story.

| Article

Over at the Neurocritic's blog, you can find sharp deconstructions of sensationalist neuroscience claims along with riveting explorations of bizarre psychiatric conditions.

| Article

Neurocomplimenter

Don't miss the Neurocritic's sister blog, Neurocomplimenter, a “backlash against the fashionable anti-neuro backlash.”

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.