Daniel J. Simons

Dr. Daniel J. Simons is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, leading the Visual Cognition Laboratory. He holds a courtesy appointment in the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising and affiliations with the Center for Social and Behavioral Science. His research focuses on the limits of awareness and memory, and how these limitations affect daily life. Simons has authored/co-authored influential books like The Invisible Gorilla and Nobody’s Fool, and has published over 100 papers in fields ranging from cognitive psychology to science communication.

Education:

• B.A. from Carleton College
• Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Cornell University

Research Interests:

Simons investigates inattentional blindness, change blindness, and the 'illusion of knowledge' across contexts like healthcare, law enforcement, and everyday decision-making. His work bridges experimental psychology with real-world applications, emphasizing methodological rigor and open science practices.

Articles Trends:

His recent work examines overconfidence in experts (e.g., chess players), the role of familiarity in attentional failures, and leveraging magic principles to study perception. He also advocates for scientific transparency through initiatives like the Transparency Checklist and serves as editor for Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science.

Awards and Honors:

• 2004 Ig Nobel Award (shared with Chabris)
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship
• APS Early Career Award (2003)
• Fellowships from APS and the Psychonomic Society

Teaching and Outreach:

Simons teaches courses on research practices, statistical analysis, and psychology of magic. He actively communicates science via media outlets (e.g., New York Times, TED-style talks), and advises students on critical thinking and scientific writing.

Labs and Teams:

He directs the Visual Cognition Lab, which explores how attention and awareness shape perception. Collaborations include studies with magicians, healthcare professionals, and interdisciplinary teams addressing applied cognitive challenges.