Emily Balcetis

Emily Balcetis is an associate professor of psychology at New York University and a social psychologist whose research has shaped understanding of the relationship between perception and achievement. Her work examines how motivations, goals, and emotions influence visual perception and decision-making, building on cognitive psychology to reveal the biases that affect human behavior. Balcetis directs the Social Perception, Action and Motivation Lab at NYU, where she investigates how individuals’ perceptions of the world impact their ability to achieve goals and navigate social environments.

Balcetis has contributed extensively to academic literature and public engagement. She has authored more than 75 scientific publications and is the author of "Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World," which translates research findings into practical insights for a general audience. Her research on cognitive dissonance and visual perception, conducted with collaborator David Dunning, demonstrated how motivation to resolve internal conflicts influences perception of physical environments. Her expertise includes social psychology, judgment and decision-making, social cognition, and perception.

In addition to her academic work, Balcetis is active in science communication. She has hosted programming for National Geographic and appeared as a guest on MSNBC, bringing psychological research to mainstream audiences. Her TED talks have been viewed by millions, reflecting her ability to communicate psychological concepts in accessible ways. Her research focuses on how personal perspective affects perceptions of physical challenges, such as exercise and fitness, making her insights relevant to discussions about motivation and achievement.

Balcetis earned a BFA in music performance and a BA in psychology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a PhD in social psychology from Cornell University. Before joining NYU, she served as an assistant professor of psychology at Ohio University. Her work bridges laboratory findings and real-world applications, demonstrating how understanding cognitive biases can help individuals and organizations achieve their goals.