Barriers of Rational Thinking

Why do we so often misjudge people, misinterpret events, and even mis-understand ourselves? We search endlessly for the causes of behavior, yet our explanations are frequently flawed. The reason lies in hidden mental shortcuts cognitive errors and biases-that quietly shape the way we think, feel, and act.

This book uncovers the invisible forces behind irrational thinking and shows how they influence our daily lives. Drawing on insights from social psychology, it explores seventeen key themes that reveal why our minds so often lead us astray. From anchoring and adjustment to the status quo heuristic, from the planning fallacy to the optimism bias, from negativity's dominance to the power of nonverbal cues each chapter demonstrates how these psychological traps distort judgment and subtly guide behavior.

DR. LAV KUMAR SINGH is a distinguished academician and researcher in psychology. He currently serves as Senior Assistant Professor and Head of the Postgraduate Department of Psychology at APSM College, Barauni, affiliated with L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar. Holding an M.A., Ph.D., and NET, he has dedicated his career to advancing psychological knowledge and practice while inspiring students and young scholars.

Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to research, particularly in the fields of positive psychology and mental health. One of his noteworthy achievements is the successful completion of an ICSSR-sponsored research project titled "A Study of Positive Psychological Intervention (PPI) in Enhancing Mental Health." This work reflects his enduring commitment to applying psychology as a tool for well-being and human flourishing.