Explaining Cognitive Neuroscience Findings to the Public: A Perspective on Overclaim

Authors

  • Nathaniel-J Hollingworth Centre for Neuroethics, Cuillin Laboratory for Systems Neuroscience, Portree, United Kingdom Author
  • Godelieve-A Goeminne Centre for Research Practice, Land van Loon Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Borgloon, Belgium Author
  • Kjersti Kvarme Centre for Learning Sciences, Trollheimen Centre for Brain and Behaviour, Oppdal, Norway Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22681075

Keywords:

Explaining Cognitive Neuroscience Findings to the Public; Cognitive neuroscience; Neurofeedback; Evidence synthesis; Research methodology

Abstract

There is real interest in explaining cognitive neuroscience findings to the public right now, and real uncertainty about exactly
where it delivers the most value. We pull together the current evidence for explaining cognitive neuroscience findings to the
public, covering the methodological, practical, regulatory and cost angles, with an eye on where practice has genuinely settled
and where researchers and reviewers are still largely working it out for themselves. Selective, context-specific pursuit looks better
supported by the evidence gathered here than either broad rollout or blanket avoidance.

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Published

2026-06-30