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The Psychology of Belief
- Author
- Nancy S. Kim
- Narrator
- Patricia Rodriguez
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Publish Date
- 16 May 2026
- Run Time
- 11 hours 50 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
This vital and timely new text provides a compelling survey of the science behind how people form beliefs and evaluate those of others, and why it is that beliefs are often so resistant to change in the face of conflicting evidence.
Bringing together theories and empirical evidence from cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, Nancy S. Kim presents an engaging overview of the field and its implications for a wide range of beliefs – from moral, political, religious, and superstitious beliefs to beliefs about ourselves and our own potential. The intriguing studies discussed demonstrate how many psychological factors contribute to belief, including memory, reasoning, judgment, emotion, personality, social cognition, and cognitive development.
With thoughtful questions and a range of cross-cultural case studies, this is an ideal overview for students of psychology and all readers interested in the psychology of belief.
Critics Review
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We all believe in something. But how do beliefs affect our lives — our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours? Kim’s book masterly summarises the science of belief. It’s both readable for non-experts and a valuable resource for students and academics alike.
Miguel Farias, Professor in Cognitive & Biological Psychology, Coventry University, UK
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Nancy Kim provides a detailed, thorough, and engaging overview of cutting-edge research and theories about the psychology of belief. She seamlessly weaves together key ideas from various areas of psychology to give readers insight on why people believe what they do about politics, religion, health, and other important aspects of human life. This is a perfect text for readers new to the empirical study of beliefs or those who simply want to refresh their knowledge of the current state of the science.
Chadly Stern, Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA
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Nancy Kim has written the definitive text on the psychology of belief. She explores our bedrock moral and political views, guides us through fanaticism, conspiracy theories, climate denial, and beliefs in the paranormal, and reveals the surprising real-world importance of our core assumptions about the nature of mind, free will, and human possibility. She clarifies why our convictions are so resistant to change but also shows how they can be reformed. With complete metaphysical certainty, I believe there is nothing quite like this mind-altering book.
Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Australia
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Nancy S. Kim
- Narrator
- Patricia Rodriguez
- Duration
- 11 hours 50 minutes
- Release Date
- 16 May 2026
- ISBN
- 9781350625389
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Genre
- Cognition and cognitive psychology, Social, group or collective psychology, Popular beliefs, Child, developmental and lifespan psychology
Synopsis
Why do we believe in the views of a political party or leader? How can we better understand vaccine hesitancy or denial of climate change science? What drives extremist or conspiracist beliefs?This vital and timely new text provides a compelling survey of the science behind how people form beliefs and evaluate those of others, and why it is that beliefs are often so resistant to change in the face of conflicting evidence.Bringing together theories and empirical evidence from cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, Nancy S. Kim presents an engaging overview of the field and its implications for a wide range of beliefs – from moral, political, religious, and superstitious beliefs to beliefs about ourselves and our own potential. The intriguing studies discussed demonstrate how many psychological factors contribute to belief, including memory, reasoning, judgment, emotion, personality, social cognition, and cognitive development.With thoughtful questions and a range of cross-cultural case studies, this is an ideal overview for students of psychology and all readers interested in the psychology of belief.
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