15 Psychological Traps Every Research Scholar Faces — And How to Outsmart Them

This presentation by Prof. Vikramjit Kakati (Assam Don Bosco University) explores 15 psychological and cognitive traps that commonly affect research scholars. From impostor syndrome and perfectionism to burnout and procrastination — each trap is explained with practical examples and simple strategies to overcome them. A must-read for every MPhil/PhD student, supervisor, or academic mentor.

Transcript

1. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University, E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com Presented by Prof. Vikramjit Kakati Assam Don Bosco University Email: kakati@gmail.com
2. The Scholar’s Mind: 15 Traps & How to Outsmart Them Understanding psychological traps that affect research scholars and practical ways to overcome them Prof. Vikramjit Kakati Director, Research & Development Cell Assam Don Bosco University Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
3. 1. Impostor Syndrome • Coined by: Pauline Clance & Suzanne Imes (1978) • Feeling like a fraud despite success. • How to avoid it: Acknowledge achievements, seek mentorship, talk openly. • Example: You get a paper accepted but still feel unworthy of your PhD. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
4. 2. Dunning-Kruger Effect • By: David Dunning & Justin Kruger (1999) • Overestimating knowledge early on. • How to avoid it: Stay humble, welcome feedback. • Example: You feel like an expert after reading 3 papers, until challenged by your guide. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
5. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
6. 3. Analysis Paralysis • Popularised by: Decision-making literature • Overthinking stops progress. • How to avoid it: Set deadlines, act on 'good enough.' • Example: You spend weeks choosing software but haven’t started analysis. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
7. 4. Perfectionism • Studied by: Paul Hewitt & Gordon Flett (1991) • Unrealistic standards cause delays. • How to avoid it: Progress over perfection. • Example: You keep revising Chapter 1 and never move forward. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
8. 5. Confirmation Bias • Coined by: Peter Wason (1960) • Seeking only supporting evidence. • How to avoid it: Seek opposing views. • Example: You ignore papers that challenge your hypothesis. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
9. 6. Burnout • Popularised by: Herbert Freudenberger (1974) • Emotional exhaustion from chronic stress. • How to avoid it: Rest, exercise, enjoy hobbies. • Example: After submission, you're too drained to work for days. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
10. 7. Sunk Cost Fallacy • By: Richard Thaler & Daniel Kahneman • Sticking to failing methods due to past effort. • How to avoid it: Reassess objectively. • Example: You can’t abandon a method you’ve spent 8 months on. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
11. 8. Procrastination • Researched by: Piers Steel (2007) • Delaying tasks despite consequences. • How to avoid it: Use Pomodoro, reward yourself. • Example: Your draft is open but YouTube wins again. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
12. 9. Cognitive Dissonance • By: Leon Festinger (1957) • Conflicting beliefs cause discomfort. • How to avoid it: Accept contradictions. • Example: You resist changing your theory despite opposing results. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
13. 10. Fear of Rejection • Seen in: Academic publishing • Anxiety about negative feedback. • How to avoid it: Treat rejection as feedback. • Example: You hesitate to submit your paper fearing criticism. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
14. 11. Over justification Effect • By: Edward Deci & Richard Ryan • Rewards reduce passion. • How to avoid it: Reconnect with your purpose. • Example: You started curious, now it’s all about metrics. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
15. 12. False Consensus Effect • Coined by: Lee Ross et al. (1977) • Assuming others agree with you. • How to avoid it: Validate with diverse views. • Example: You assume peers agree— reviewers don't. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
16. 13. Illusion of Transparency • Studied by: Gilovich et al. (1998) • Thinking others sense your nervousness. • How to avoid it: Practice, stay calm. • Example: You feel panicked while presenting—but look composed. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
17. 14. Optimism Bias • Popularised by: Tali Sharot • Overestimating ease or success. • How to avoid it: Plan realistically. • Example: You plan 2 days for review—it takes 2 weeks. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
18. 15. Information Overload • Coined by: Bertram Gross (1964) • Too much info overwhelms. • How to avoid it: Prioritise, summarise. • Example: You download 100+ papers but can't recall anything. Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com
19. April 2025 Presented by Prof. Vikramjit Kakati Assam Don Bosco University Email: kakati@gmail.com Prof. Vikramjit Kakati , Assam Don Bosco University , E-Mail: kakati@gmail.com