Scott Barry Kaufman

Education

Kaufman received his B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University, where he double majored in psychology and human-computer interaction, and where he was Herbert A. Simon's last research assistant and a student of Randy Pausch. In 2005, he received his M.Phil. from King's College, Cambridge under a Gates Scholarship, where he worked with Nicholas Mackintosh. After Cambridge, Kaufman earned his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale University where he was mentored by Robert Sternberg, Jeremy R. Gray, and Jerome L. Singer. From 2009-2010, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Center Leo Apostel for Interdisciplinary Studies.

Research

The dual-process theory of human intelligence

Most theories of human intelligence and tests of intelligence emphasize controlled and deliberate reasoning as the hallmark of human intelligence. While agreeing that such thought processes are an important component of intelligence, Kaufman argues that spontaneous forms of thinking such as insight, imaginative play, daydreaming, implicit learning, and a reduced latent inhibition are also important contributors to a wide range of intelligent behaviors as well as creativity. Integrating modern dual-process theories of cognition with research on human intelligence, Kaufman proposed the dual-process theory of human intelligence.

The theory emphasizes the importance of adaptation to task demands as the essence of intelligent functioning. At the same time, the theory takes into account an individual's personal goals and accommodates a wide range of intelligent behaviors in a wide range of fields, from the arts to the sciences. A key assumption of the theory is that abilities are not static entities but are constantly changing throughout the life span as the person continually engages with controlled and spontaneous modes of thought. In Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined, Kaufman expanded his dual-process theory to make the point that his theory is also fundamentally developmental, because it views intelligence as the dynamic interplay of engagement and ability over time in the pursuit of personal goals.

Light triad

Influenced by the dark triad theory of antisocial personalities, Kaufman is researching a proposed "light triad" of personality virtues: humanism, Kantianism, and faith in humanity.

Narcissism

Kaufman has also been involved in research examining grandiose and vulnerable subtypes of narcissism.

Tragic optimism

The concept of "tragic optimism" in the phrase coined by the existential-humanistic psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, has been suggested by Kaufman as a healthy antidote to toxic positivity.

Bibliography

Books

• Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential (2025) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee. ()
• Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt (2022) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee. ()
• Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization (2020) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee. ()
• Twice Exceptional: Supporting and Educating Bright and Creative Students with Learning Difficulties (2018) New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ()
• Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind (with Carolyn Gregoire) (2015) New York, NY: TarcherPerigee. ()
• The Philosophy of Creativity (with Elliot Samuel Paul) (2014). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ()
• The Complexity of Greatness: Beyond Talent or Practice (2013) New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ()
• Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined (2013). New York, NY: Basic Books. ()
• Mating Intelligence Unleashed: The Role of the Mind in Sex, Dating, and Love (with Glenn Geher) (2013). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ()
• The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (with Robert J. Sternberg) (2011). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. ()
• The Psychology of Creative Writing (with James C. Kaufman) (2009). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ()

References

References

1. [http://blogs.hbr.org/ideacast/2013/06/why-we-need-to-redefine-intell.html Why We Need to Redefine Intelligence], Harvard Business Review IdeaCast, 13 June 2013.
2. [http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/2013/jun/13/redefining-intelligence/ Redefining Intelligence] {{webarchive. link. (2013-06-18 , The Leonard Lopate Show- WNYC, 13 June 2013.)
3. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130708021143/http://www.fastcocreate.com/1683207/beyond-iq-5-ways-to-reframe-success-and-smarts Beyond IQ: 5 Ways to Reframe Success and Smarts], Fast Co.Create, 13 June 2013.
4. "Scott Kaufman {{!}} BHCI Alumni {{!}} Class of 2003".
5. "Scott Kaufman {{!}} Gates Cambridge Alumni".
6. "Yale Psychology Dept. Ph.D. Graduates {{!}} Department of Psychology".
7. "People {{!}} CLEA".
8. [http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201402/dreams-glory Dreams of Glory], Psychology Today, March 2014.
9. [http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beautiful-minds/201102/why-daydreamers-are-more-creative Why Daydreamers Are More Creative], Beautiful Minds, 27 February 2011.
10. Kaufman, S. B. (2009). Beyond general intelligence: The dual-process theory of human intelligence (Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation). Yale University, New Haven, CT.
11. Kaufman, S.B. (2011). Intelligence and the cognitive unconscious. In R.J. Sternberg & S.B. Kaufman (Eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (pp. 442-467). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
12. Kaufman, J.C., Kaufman, S.B., & Plucker, J.A. (2013). Contemporary theories of intelligence. In J. Reisberg (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Psychology (pp. 811-822). New York, NY: Oxford University Press
13. [http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201104/6-clues-character 6 Clues to Character], Psychology Today, 15 December 2011.
14. [http://www.creativitypost.com/psychology/book_review_ungifted_intelligence_redefined Book Review - Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined], ''Creativity Post'', June 14, 2013
15. "The 'light triad' that can make you a good person". [[BBC]].
16. (February 2020). "Clinical Correlates of Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism: A Personality Perspective". Journal of Personality Disorders.
17. Kaufman, Scott Barry. (2021-08-18). "The Opposite of Toxic Positivity".