Why our brains crave answers and the psychology of explanation

Almost as soon as we are able to speak, we start asking our parents, relatives, and teachers an almost frustratingly large number of ‘why questions’. It’s an essential part of the natural human desire to understand the world in which we live. However, answering these questions is often much more complicated than it may first seem. What makes one explanation easier to understand than another, and how can we do it better? In this episode, we’re joined by Prof Tania Lombrozo, a psychologist and author based at Princeton University, to talk about her latest book, Why We Ask Why – The Science of Explanation and the Human Drive to Understand. She tells us how explanations come in many different forms based on our knowledge, communication skills, and relationships, talks about the traps of over- or under-explaining that we all often fall into, and investigates the effect that AI is having on the way we receive and interpret information. Take your curiosity further with a subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine. Every issue is packed with fascinating insights into the science behind everyday life, the latest breakthroughs and expert analysis, delivered straight to your door. Receive an extra £5 when you subscribe using the code SF5OFF, (minimum spend £20, see full terms and conditions on our website). https://www.ourmediashop.com/bbc-science-focus-magazine-pod30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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