All Cab Drivers Look Alike: The Science of Changing Perception Through Experience

What people are saying: "I haven’t had a chance to actually read your book yet, but it looks fascinating. Congratulations..." Alan Alda , actor and director turned science educator and enthusiast "Your book was very inspirational and I kept putting it down to jot down ideas." Dr. Mark S. Rider, Clinical Psychologist, Texas "I have finished your book and found it very interesting and impressive" Dr. William Ittelson. Professor Emeritus, founder of Environmental Psychology "I read the book (Cab Drivers), really loved it! I especially like how your tone in the book is casual, a few times I laughed out loud." Sabrina Peterson, graduate student, California “I think the book must be really read and can't be skimmed for content, but that's what makes a book great, at least in my opinion!” Alex Auerbach, undergraduate, Arizona Do you have trouble recognizing people from other races? Maybe you know someone who gets lost frequently? Dr. Felice L. Bedford's groundbreaking book presents an explanation for all of perceptual learning. Included is Dr. Bedford's recently published and in the news theory on how the mind can heal the body with perception—much like getting used to a new pair of eyeglasses! Also discussed are how it is not racist to have trouble with other-race faces (hint: it’s like learning to taste wine), why Harry Potter’s magic wand felt like an extension of his hand, what’s really going on during ventriloquist shows (hint: it's NOT throwing the voice), and dramatic failures of perception. We are asked to contemplate mind-bending topics such as distorting time perception and even how the supernatural relates to perceptual learning. Don't miss the special section how-to section on improving your perception. Examples throughout the book relate to the reader yet do not sacrifice rigor. For the technically minded, all the “traditional” topics of perceptual learning and adaptation are covered,such as prism adaptation, Eleanor Gibson’s perceptual discrimination learning, and the McCollough Effect. Published in 2013, 380 pages, 71 illustrations. (p) Bedford’s book is for anyone interested in their own six senses (yes six) and for students and colleagues alike. This is also an opinionated work including anti brain-research commentary and other critiques of experiments in the scientific literature. Anecdotes on professional acquaintances provide a personal touch. Favorite sentences: Perception is lazy. You still need shoes.