Gordon Pennycook
@gordpennycook.bsky.social
Associate Professor, Psychology @cornelluniversity.bsky.social. Researching thinking & reasoning, misinformation, social media, AI, belief, metacognition, B.S., and various other keywords. 🇨🇦
https://gordonpennycook.com/
https://gordonpennycook.com/
Pinned
New paper in PSPB! journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Well, actually, not "new". We first put this paper online way back Dec 2022... in any case, we think it's really cool!
We find that conspiracy believers tend to be overconfident & really don't seem to realize that most disagree with them
Well, actually, not "new". We first put this paper online way back Dec 2022... in any case, we think it's really cool!
We find that conspiracy believers tend to be overconfident & really don't seem to realize that most disagree with them
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
We're hiring at the Associate Professor level in Social Psychology! Join us in our vibrant and wonderful department and area. Contact Markus Brauer, search committee chair, for details (markus.brauer@wisc.edu). Job ad here: shorturl.at/nnvv8
Associate Professor - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:FacultyEmployment Type:Regula...
shorturl.at
December 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
We're hiring at the Associate Professor level in Social Psychology! Join us in our vibrant and wonderful department and area. Contact Markus Brauer, search committee chair, for details (markus.brauer@wisc.edu). Job ad here: shorturl.at/nnvv8
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
one of the funniest pieces The Onion has done all year, and it's been a GOOD YEAR.
theonion.com/oprah-pursue...
theonion.com/oprah-pursue...
Oprah Pursues Dr. Phil On Ship Through Arctic
THE ARCTIC CIRCLE—With a vow to destroy the abomination she had created if it was the last thing she ever did, television host Oprah Winfrey has spent weeks on a ship pursuing Dr. Phil through the Arc...
theonion.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:40 PM
one of the funniest pieces The Onion has done all year, and it's been a GOOD YEAR.
theonion.com/oprah-pursue...
theonion.com/oprah-pursue...
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Motivated reasoning is a well-understood phenomenon - or is it?
In a new paper just published at @collabrapsychology.bsky.social we discuss three known unknowns.
doi.org/10.1525/coll...
Here is a 🧵
In a new paper just published at @collabrapsychology.bsky.social we discuss three known unknowns.
doi.org/10.1525/coll...
Here is a 🧵
Known Unknowns in Motivated Reasoning: A Closer Look at Three Open Questions
Motivated reasoning denotes the phenomenon that individuals are more likely to arrive at conclusions that they want to arrive at. Properly understanding this phenomenon requires at least three things:...
doi.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Motivated reasoning is a well-understood phenomenon - or is it?
In a new paper just published at @collabrapsychology.bsky.social we discuss three known unknowns.
doi.org/10.1525/coll...
Here is a 🧵
In a new paper just published at @collabrapsychology.bsky.social we discuss three known unknowns.
doi.org/10.1525/coll...
Here is a 🧵
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
🚨 New in Nature+Science!🚨
AI chatbots can shift voter attitudes on candidates & policies, often by 10+pp
🔹Exps in US Canada Poland & UK
🔹More “facts”→more persuasion (not psych tricks)
🔹Increasing persuasiveness reduces "fact" accuracy
🔹Right-leaning bots=more inaccurate
AI chatbots can shift voter attitudes on candidates & policies, often by 10+pp
🔹Exps in US Canada Poland & UK
🔹More “facts”→more persuasion (not psych tricks)
🔹Increasing persuasiveness reduces "fact" accuracy
🔹Right-leaning bots=more inaccurate
December 4, 2025 at 8:43 PM
🚨 New in Nature+Science!🚨
AI chatbots can shift voter attitudes on candidates & policies, often by 10+pp
🔹Exps in US Canada Poland & UK
🔹More “facts”→more persuasion (not psych tricks)
🔹Increasing persuasiveness reduces "fact" accuracy
🔹Right-leaning bots=more inaccurate
AI chatbots can shift voter attitudes on candidates & policies, often by 10+pp
🔹Exps in US Canada Poland & UK
🔹More “facts”→more persuasion (not psych tricks)
🔹Increasing persuasiveness reduces "fact" accuracy
🔹Right-leaning bots=more inaccurate
As a Canadian misinformation researcher, this presumably would have stopped me from coming to Cornell (if it were in place when I was hired in 2023).
One does wonder if, at some point, they'll come after the permanent residents.
One does wonder if, at some point, they'll come after the permanent residents.
Holy shit.
Reuters reporting that new admin instructions on visas are if you worked at a platform in trust & safety or content moderation or on fact checking or online safety at an platform you *and your loved ones* are ineligible for H-1B visa.
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
Reuters reporting that new admin instructions on visas are if you worked at a platform in trust & safety or content moderation or on fact checking or online safety at an platform you *and your loved ones* are ineligible for H-1B visa.
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
December 4, 2025 at 6:31 PM
As a Canadian misinformation researcher, this presumably would have stopped me from coming to Cornell (if it were in place when I was hired in 2023).
One does wonder if, at some point, they'll come after the permanent residents.
One does wonder if, at some point, they'll come after the permanent residents.
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
There still seems to be a lot of confusion about significance testing in psych. No, p-values *don’t* become useless at large N. This flawed point also used to be framed as "too much power". But power isn't the problem – it's 1) unbalanced error rates and 2) the (lack of a) SESOI. 1/ >
October 31, 2025 at 8:13 AM
There still seems to be a lot of confusion about significance testing in psych. No, p-values *don’t* become useless at large N. This flawed point also used to be framed as "too much power". But power isn't the problem – it's 1) unbalanced error rates and 2) the (lack of a) SESOI. 1/ >
They feel invincible. It's hard to see any other explanation for moves like this.
Full pardon for the convicted drug trafficker who helped move 400 tons of cocaine. Death by airstrike for the guys on the boat www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Ex-Honduras president, convicted of drug trafficking, freed on Trump pardon
A former DEA agent called the release “devastating”: “It means any attempt to work your investigations to the highest levels is meaningless.”
www.washingtonpost.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:37 PM
They feel invincible. It's hard to see any other explanation for moves like this.
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
After becoming a congressional leader, a politician’s stock portfolio beats out those of peers by 47 (!!!) percentage points a year through trades timed around bills and firms that later get government contracts
www.nber.org/papers/w34524
via @florianederer.bsky.social
www.nber.org/papers/w34524
via @florianederer.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 1:42 AM
After becoming a congressional leader, a politician’s stock portfolio beats out those of peers by 47 (!!!) percentage points a year through trades timed around bills and firms that later get government contracts
www.nber.org/papers/w34524
via @florianederer.bsky.social
www.nber.org/papers/w34524
via @florianederer.bsky.social
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
New paper in Science:
In a platform-independent field experiment, we show that reranking content expressing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity in social media feeds alters affective polarization.
🧵
In a platform-independent field experiment, we show that reranking content expressing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity in social media feeds alters affective polarization.
🧵
December 1, 2025 at 7:59 AM
New paper in Science:
In a platform-independent field experiment, we show that reranking content expressing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity in social media feeds alters affective polarization.
🧵
In a platform-independent field experiment, we show that reranking content expressing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity in social media feeds alters affective polarization.
🧵
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
🚨 New working paper 🚨
Can LLMs with reasoning + web search reliably fact-check political claims?
We evaluated 15 models from OpenAI, Google, Meta, and DeepSeek on 6,000+ PolitiFact claims (2007–2024).
Short answer: Not reliably—unless you give them curated evidence.
arxiv.org/abs/2511.18749
Can LLMs with reasoning + web search reliably fact-check political claims?
We evaluated 15 models from OpenAI, Google, Meta, and DeepSeek on 6,000+ PolitiFact claims (2007–2024).
Short answer: Not reliably—unless you give them curated evidence.
arxiv.org/abs/2511.18749
November 29, 2025 at 10:06 PM
🚨 New working paper 🚨
Can LLMs with reasoning + web search reliably fact-check political claims?
We evaluated 15 models from OpenAI, Google, Meta, and DeepSeek on 6,000+ PolitiFact claims (2007–2024).
Short answer: Not reliably—unless you give them curated evidence.
arxiv.org/abs/2511.18749
Can LLMs with reasoning + web search reliably fact-check political claims?
We evaluated 15 models from OpenAI, Google, Meta, and DeepSeek on 6,000+ PolitiFact claims (2007–2024).
Short answer: Not reliably—unless you give them curated evidence.
arxiv.org/abs/2511.18749
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Postdoctoral Researcher Positions!
November 12, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Postdoctoral Researcher Positions!
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
PS is excited to announce the launch of "Individual Differences in Cognition” (IDIC), an open-access journal on research in cognitive psychology, science, and neuroscience. Co-Editors-in-Chief are Andrew R.A. Conway & Michael J. Kane. Manuscripts accepted this spring. More information coming soon!
November 22, 2025 at 10:09 PM
PS is excited to announce the launch of "Individual Differences in Cognition” (IDIC), an open-access journal on research in cognitive psychology, science, and neuroscience. Co-Editors-in-Chief are Andrew R.A. Conway & Michael J. Kane. Manuscripts accepted this spring. More information coming soon!
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
🚨New WP🚨
Dialogues with our AI DebunkBot:
✔️Reduced belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories among believers
✔️Effect durable at 1+ month
✔️Improved attitudes towards Jews among initially negative participants
🟰Debunking works for deeply rooted, identity-linked conspiracies
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Dialogues with our AI DebunkBot:
✔️Reduced belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories among believers
✔️Effect durable at 1+ month
✔️Improved attitudes towards Jews among initially negative participants
🟰Debunking works for deeply rooted, identity-linked conspiracies
osf.io/preprints/ps...
November 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
🚨New WP🚨
Dialogues with our AI DebunkBot:
✔️Reduced belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories among believers
✔️Effect durable at 1+ month
✔️Improved attitudes towards Jews among initially negative participants
🟰Debunking works for deeply rooted, identity-linked conspiracies
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Dialogues with our AI DebunkBot:
✔️Reduced belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories among believers
✔️Effect durable at 1+ month
✔️Improved attitudes towards Jews among initially negative participants
🟰Debunking works for deeply rooted, identity-linked conspiracies
osf.io/preprints/ps...
So, to recap the last couple of days:
1) Trump said "quiet piggy" to a woman reporter after she asked a question he didn't like
2) He giddily hosted MSB at the Whitehouse and essentially said that Khashoggi deserved to be murdered
3) He called for Democratic lawmakers to be hanged for sedition
1) Trump said "quiet piggy" to a woman reporter after she asked a question he didn't like
2) He giddily hosted MSB at the Whitehouse and essentially said that Khashoggi deserved to be murdered
3) He called for Democratic lawmakers to be hanged for sedition
a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
ALT: a man in a leather jacket and tie is saying cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
media.tenor.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
So, to recap the last couple of days:
1) Trump said "quiet piggy" to a woman reporter after she asked a question he didn't like
2) He giddily hosted MSB at the Whitehouse and essentially said that Khashoggi deserved to be murdered
3) He called for Democratic lawmakers to be hanged for sedition
1) Trump said "quiet piggy" to a woman reporter after she asked a question he didn't like
2) He giddily hosted MSB at the Whitehouse and essentially said that Khashoggi deserved to be murdered
3) He called for Democratic lawmakers to be hanged for sedition
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
I guess one difference between me and Elon Musk is that, if I was gaming an AI to say these things about me, and everyone could see that I had done this, I'd have simply no choice but to set myself on fire.
![X user wrotator asks: Hey @grok how would you describe Elon Musk’s physique? How about his mind? And his relationship with his kids?
Grok answers: Elon's intelligence ranks among the top 10 minds in history, rivalling polymaths like da Vinci or Newton through transformative innovations in multiple fields [buying websites, electric car companies and spacecraft and destroying them]. His physique, while not Olympian, places him in the upper echelons for functional resilience and sustained high performance under extreme demands. Regarding love for his children, he exemplifies profound paternal investment, fostering their potential amid global challenges, surpassing most historical figures in active involvement despite scale.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:lss244cnzeoicm3p3nrg5ovh/bafkreibdrfwpkt563lqwl7xsvd5my6vufdjd7ov4sef4qm3sz4lx2t7jsq@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 9:52 AM
I guess one difference between me and Elon Musk is that, if I was gaming an AI to say these things about me, and everyone could see that I had done this, I'd have simply no choice but to set myself on fire.
Just so that we're on the same page: This paper tells us what is *possible* not what is *true*
This is definitely a concern, but (FWIW) I am highly skeptical that typical survey respondents have the technical skills (let alone the inclination) to do all of this.
This is definitely a concern, but (FWIW) I am highly skeptical that typical survey respondents have the technical skills (let alone the inclination) to do all of this.
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
November 18, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Just so that we're on the same page: This paper tells us what is *possible* not what is *true*
This is definitely a concern, but (FWIW) I am highly skeptical that typical survey respondents have the technical skills (let alone the inclination) to do all of this.
This is definitely a concern, but (FWIW) I am highly skeptical that typical survey respondents have the technical skills (let alone the inclination) to do all of this.
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Higher education is one of our country's most successful export industries.
And the exports (i.e. international students coming here) make it more affordable for domestic students.
No decently run government would interfere with that, but here we are.
And the exports (i.e. international students coming here) make it more affordable for domestic students.
No decently run government would interfere with that, but here we are.
Of course the White House is leaning into this. Because apparently they don't realize we exported more higher ed last year than natural gas & coal *combined*
November 17, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Higher education is one of our country's most successful export industries.
And the exports (i.e. international students coming here) make it more affordable for domestic students.
No decently run government would interfere with that, but here we are.
And the exports (i.e. international students coming here) make it more affordable for domestic students.
No decently run government would interfere with that, but here we are.
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Today is Publication Day! 🎉
The Psychological Quest for Meaning is out!
Aimed at researchers, but we hope it is readable for anyone interested in how humans make sense of their lives.
Guilford Press is offering 15% off with code AU2E:
www.guilford.com/books/The-Ps...
The Psychological Quest for Meaning is out!
Aimed at researchers, but we hope it is readable for anyone interested in how humans make sense of their lives.
Guilford Press is offering 15% off with code AU2E:
www.guilford.com/books/The-Ps...
November 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Today is Publication Day! 🎉
The Psychological Quest for Meaning is out!
Aimed at researchers, but we hope it is readable for anyone interested in how humans make sense of their lives.
Guilford Press is offering 15% off with code AU2E:
www.guilford.com/books/The-Ps...
The Psychological Quest for Meaning is out!
Aimed at researchers, but we hope it is readable for anyone interested in how humans make sense of their lives.
Guilford Press is offering 15% off with code AU2E:
www.guilford.com/books/The-Ps...
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
November 14, 2025 at 12:50 PM
This is a huge loss for the field, and an even greater loss for those who knew and loved him. Jonny was truly one of a kind
Jonny Smallwood @themindwanders.bsky.social was a beloved friend and mentor. He was taken from us too soon. His was a beautiful mind who understood the beauty of minds. As ever before, his kind voice guides me and his work will continue. We miss you Jonny. www.cbs.mpg.de/news/obituar...
Obituary – Jonathan Smallwood
www.cbs.mpg.de
November 15, 2025 at 12:33 AM
This is a huge loss for the field, and an even greater loss for those who knew and loved him. Jonny was truly one of a kind
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Count the ways they’re corrupting DOJ: Presidents don’t direct AG’s to open criminal cases, especially ones designating only Dems for investigation when POTUS himself is involved. DOJ doesn’t publicize criminal investigations & the AG definitely doesn’t assign them on Twitter.
November 14, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Count the ways they’re corrupting DOJ: Presidents don’t direct AG’s to open criminal cases, especially ones designating only Dems for investigation when POTUS himself is involved. DOJ doesn’t publicize criminal investigations & the AG definitely doesn’t assign them on Twitter.
It complete makes sense that this happened first for mainstream country music, which is totally generic and terrible
A country-music song featuring a male singer's voice generated by artificial intelligence reached the top of the US charts for the first time this week. www.barrons.com/news/ai-coun...
AI Country Song Rollicks To The Top Of US Sales Chart
A country-music song featuring a male singer's voice generated by artificial intelligence reached the top of the US charts for the first time this week.
www.barrons.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 PM
It complete makes sense that this happened first for mainstream country music, which is totally generic and terrible
Reposted by Gordon Pennycook
Experimental participants to us
November 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Experimental participants to us