Synopses & Reviews
When you understand how the mind works, you can think smarterand act smarter. Based on the precepts of cognitive science and drawing on a half century of interdisciplinary studies, Smart Thinking is the first book to reveal a three-part formula that distinguishes Smart Thinking from innate intelligence and shows how memory works, how to learn effectively, and how to use knowledge when you need to get things done.
Beginning with defining the difference between Smart Thinking and innate or raw intelligence, cognitive psychologist Art Markman demonstrates how it is possible to learn Smart Thinking that you can apply to the real world.
This engaging and practical book introduces a three-part formula for Smart Thinking, which demonstrates how anyone can:
Develop Smart Habits
Acquire High-Quality Knowledge
Use High-Quality Knowledge when needed
Smart Thinking explores each part of the Smart Thinking formula and provides:
An understanding of how the mind works and the means to replace self-limiting habits with those that foster Smart Thinking
Insights into how memory functions and how to improve the quality of what you learn
Ways to present new information effectively
Specific techniques for improving your understanding of how the world works
The ability to define and solve problems by finding the relevant knowledge from any area of expertise and applying it effectively
Drawing on multiple research disciplines, including psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, neuroscience, learning sciences, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and education, Markman provides insights into the functioning of the mind and synthesizes this understanding into practical tools and exercises that develop new skills and achieve personal goals. The book culminates in tips for creating a Culture of Smart to make everyone in an organization more effective.
Review
"Markman provides a helpful guide for developing smarter habits, and ultimately, a smarter, more fulfilling life of learning."
—Charles Ealy, Austin American
Review
"…the book is an easy read, though rewards re-reading. Unlike many of these 'Think yourself smarter' books, this one has lots of good advice, and feels like it relies on primary sources more than secondary. In fact, I bet I end up reading a lot of what is in this book, taken out of context by 'Think yourself successful' gurus. Save time, read it here, at the source."
---Tom Otley, The Business Traveler
Review
"
Smart Thinking teaches people how their minds work so they can be more effective performers at work and at life. An essential read for anyone who wants to operate at their best, think outside the box, and accomplish whatever goals they set out to achieve."
---Sian Beilock, PhD, author of Choke
Review
“If you want to be more creative, if you want to be an innovator, this is the book for you. Creativity doesn't fall out of the sky. It favors the prepared mind. This book prepares your mind.”
---Hara Estroff Marano, author of A Nation of Wimps
Review
“What does thinking quickly create a positive mood? Are goals contagious? How do you create a culture of smart thinking? Building on decades of research in cognitive psychology and replete with stories and practical tools, Markman answers these questions and in doing so teaches you how to learn. Once finished, you’ll feel smarter. Consider it an owner’s manual to the mind.”
---Jennifer Lynn Aaker, General Atlantic Professor of Marketing, Stanford GSB and author of The Dragonfly Effect
Review
“Smart Thinking not only enriches the literature on human thought--and its foibles--it takes it to the next level, offering clear prescriptions for how to sharpen memory, analysis and creativity in our daily lives.”
---Wray Herbert, author of On Second Thought: Outsmarting Your Mind's Hard-Wired Habits
Synopsis
Think smart people are just born that way? Think again.
Drawing on diverse studies of the mind, from psychology to linguistics, philosophy, and learning science, Art Markman, Ph.D., demonstrates the difference between "smart thinking" and raw intelligence, showing readers how memory works, how to learn effectively, and how to use knowledge to get things done. He then introduces his own three-part formula for readers to employ "smart thinking" in their daily lives.
Smart Thinking gives readers:
- The means to replace self-limiting habits with new behaviors that foster smart thinking
- An understanding of the mind itself as well as memory
- The ability to define and solve problems by finding and applying relevant knowledge
- Ways to present and process information effectively
Synopsis
When you understand how the mind works, you can think smarterand act smarter. Based on the precepts of cognitive science and drawing on a half century of interdisciplinary studies, Smart Thinking is the first book to reveal a three-part formula that distinguishes Smart Thinking from innate intelligence and shows how memory works, how to learn effectively, and how to use knowledge when you need to get things done.
Beginning with defining the difference between Smart Thinking and innate or raw intelligence, cognitive psychologist Art Markman demonstrates how it is possible to learn Smart Thinking that you can apply to the real world.
This engaging and practical book introduces a three-part formula for Smart Thinking, which demonstrates how anyone can:
Develop Smart Habits
Acquire High-Quality Knowledge
Use High-Quality Knowledge when needed
Smart Thinking explores each part of the Smart Thinking formula and provides:
An understanding of how the mind works and the means to replace self-limiting habits with those that foster Smart Thinking
Insights into how memory functions and how to improve the quality of what you learn
Ways to present new information effectively
Specific techniques for improving your understanding of how the world works
The ability to define and solve problems by finding the relevant knowledge from any area of expertise and applying it effectively
Drawing on multiple research disciplines, including psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, neuroscience, learning sciences, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and education, Markman provides insights into the functioning of the mind and synthesizes this understanding into practical tools and exercises that develop new skills and achieve personal goals. The book culminates in tips for creating a Culture of Smart to make everyone in an organization more effective.
Synopsis
An insightful guide that shows how habits of behavior are formed, and how we can transform bad habits into positive behaviors in ourselves and others. Smart Change explores the psychological mechanisms that form and maintain habits in individuals and groups and offers real, accessible and actionable advice for changing habits. In an engaging narrative, Markman covers a wide range of habits, from individual behaviors like eating better and exercising regularly to work-related behaviors such as learning effectively and influencing customers purchases. He proposes that there are five effective tools to help individuals change behavior and to help people influence the habits of the people around them:
1. Tame the Go” system: Identify the triggers of habits, replace old behaviors with new ones and generate specific plans to deal with obstacles.
2. Harness the Stop” system: Learn to deal with stress and other factors that hinder the development of new and positive habits.
3. Optimize your goals. Determine the course of behavior change and how to successfully incorporate those changes for the long term.
4. Manage your environment: Change your surroundings to dramatically reduce poor behavior and habits.
5. Engage your Neighbors: To affect other peoples behavior, understand the shared culture that creates a mutual dependency, and allows neighbors and colleagues to have a profound positive influence on the behavior of other members of their community.
About the Author
Art Markman,
PhD is on the faculty member of the University of Texas since 1998 where he is the Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing. He has published more than 150 scientific papers in the area of cognitive science. He has been the editor of Cognitive Science since 2006.
As a consultant, Dr. Markman has worked with industry, including Proctor and Gamble, and partnered with Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen on two of their bestselling You books. He is a member of the scientific advisory board for the Dr. Phil Show and is a regular online contributor for Psychology Today, the Huffington Post, and the Harvard Business Review.