Gustav Kuhn

Dr. Gustav Kuhn is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of School for Marketing, Recruitment, and Strategic Growth at the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth. He holds a BSc and DPhil in Psychology from Sussex University (1996–2003). His career includes roles at Queens University, Durham University, Brunel University, and Goldsmiths, University of London. Kuhn’s research focuses on the psychology of magic, exploring how magical performances intersect with cognitive processes, perception, and social cognition. His work bridges experimental psychology with real-world applications, including studies on misdirection, supernatural attributions, and the psychological impact of AI and futuristic technologies.

His teaching includes the course PSYC604: 'The Misdirected Mind,' emphasizing attention and deception mechanisms. Kuhn’s recent research highlights the cognitive underpinnings of magical experiences, such as audience participation effects, the role of impossibility in enjoyment, and the psychological implications of exposing magical techniques. He has also contributed to wellbeing-focused magic interventions, leveraging magic’s unique properties to enhance mental health and social adaptation.

Key themes in his work include attentional mechanisms, perceptual deception, and the interplay between science and art. Despite prolific output, no scientific awards are explicitly stated in the text. His research spans experimental designs, qualitative studies, and collaborative projects with magicians and cognitive scientists.