The Samford Center for Science and Religion will host a lecture by Stephen Chew, one of Samford University’s most distinguished professors, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. in Brock Forum (DBH 131 auditorium).

Chew’s lecture, Critical Thinking in a Time of Rampant Misinformation, will examine how misinformation has become increasingly pervasive and weaponized in modern society. Drawing on his expertise as a cognitive psychologist, Chew will discuss how misinformation exploits cognitive biases, spreads through social media and complicates teaching and learning in higher education. He will argue for a more comprehensive approach to critical thinking that includes information literacy, science literacy and intellectual humility to better prepare students for the challenges of today’s information environment.

Chew has been a professor of psychology at Samford since 1993. His research focuses on the cognitive basis of effective teaching and learning, with an emphasis on translating cognitive science research for educators and students. He is widely known for his research-based framework addressing cognitive challenges in learning and for his popular YouTube series on effective study strategies, which has received millions of views worldwide.

Chew has received numerous national honors for his teaching and scholarship, including being named the 2011 U.S. Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and receiving the American Psychological Association’s 2022 Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training. He serves as chair of the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a distinguished member of Psi Chi.

Faculty, students and staff are welcome to attend.