Course Details

920: Clear Thinking in the Age of Data Overload

February 1, 3, 4, 5
9:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Online

More than at any time in history, we are awash in data and information. Every day we are bombarded with assertions and recommendations claiming to be based on data—in news reports, commercial advertising, even at the doctor's office. How do we make sense of it all? Given the innate limitations on human processing ability, how do we avoid feeling overwhelmed? Given the distortions built into our perceptions and judgments, how do we steer clear of cognitive errors? This course will discuss how to spot irrelevant information and misleading claims, ultimately improving our ability to make rational choices in a challenging environment.


Class Type: Lecture and Discussion

Class Format: TBA

Hours of Reading: 1-2 hours/session

Study Group Leader(s):

Ray Squitieri

Ray Squitieri, a retired economist, is in his tenth year leading courses at OLLI; topics have included instrumental music, opera and art song, European history, Chinese history, economic history, linguistics, philanthropy, and acoustics.