iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Going to #APS26BCN? Interested in the psychological impact of social media scrolls and the promise of well designed #seriousgames / #gamebasedlearning? We are, and would love to talk with you about it! Hope to see you there. #psychology #games

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Whoop-Whoop! Daria's entry won second place. How fantastic. Love the energy around this #Sci-Comm contest.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Neat to see this fantastic book come to life: highly recommend! I'm looking forward to learning more from my co-contributors by digging into the other chapters, too! @elgarpublishing.bsky.social @sandersonspeaking.bsky.social #PsychSciSky

Promo for the newly released book titled Teaching Introduction to Psychology

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

My students’ research is truly inspired and inspiring! Loving working in the intersection between well designed games and knowledge growth/ belief change. #gamebasedlearning for the win 🤩

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

New year, new tote? www.redbubble.com/people/Psych...

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Life is short. Get the sticker. www.redbubble.com/people/Psych...

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Sharing inspiration today: this is a beautiful promo of the work that my students Daria, Kaya and Jordhan started in the Psych of Serious Games class last semester. Excited to continue working with Daria on this project! youtu.be/PtsiLhEU0tA

youtu.be

They Made a Board Game to Fight Disability Bias, and It Works

YouTube video by Pacific University

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

On #InternationalWomensDay, I’d like to share some “everyday” things I suggest to my students, that they can do to push back against implicit sexism and gender bias. How do you help #AccelerateAction ?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Happy #Internationalwomensday. If I were to make a second poster like this, who else should I feature? Name your fav Female Psych-Sci Scholar ☺️

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Tomorrow is #IWD2025. Do you do anything in the spirit of the day? Thought I'd share a little of what I've been doing lately in the hopes that I can help #accelerateaction. ericakleinknechtoshea.substack.com/p/do-you-do-...

ericakleinknechtoshea.substack.com

Do you do anything for International Women's Day?

My class activity today was brilliant. And super simple.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

Looking for a distraction from the world at large? I know I am! Today I escaped by gathering my thoughts on P L A Y. What does play look like for you? Love to hear your take on the matter and whether my latest newsletter offered you a new point of view. open.substack.com/pub/ericakle...

open.substack.com

Some thoughts on PLAY

A Wildcard newsletter, where I play a little with both ideas and approach

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Reposted by Erica Kleinknecht

Emi Nietfeld @eminietfeld.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

“The Body Keeps the Score stigmatizes survivors, blames victims, and depoliticizes violence. While masquerading as care for survivors, it creates a hierarchy where marginalized victims are even more marginalized.” My latest, for @motherjones. www.motherjones.com/media/2024/1...

motherjones.com

What the most famous book about trauma gets wrong

People kept telling me to read "The Body Keeps the Score." I was shocked at what it actually says.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

So proud of my students representing our work for 8 hours on the expo floor at the @seattleindies.bsky.social Game-Education Industry Collider last month. Amazing what can happen in just one semester when we harness our creative energy for good! #psychology #games youtu.be/CGnUJy9uk7E?...

youtu.be

Daria Tsybina and Adhya Gowda, Pacific University OR, Seattle Indies & EdTech Games & EDU Collider

YouTube video by Tim Reha

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Shout-out to my students who completely rocked the expo floor at the @seattleindies.bsky.social Games-Education-Industry-Collider last weekend. We displayed our serious game prototypes and our table buzzed for 8 consecutive hours! Lots of learning and connections made: 10 / 10, highly recommend.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Wrote this piece a year ago but I’m still seeing many convos about human-AI interactions so thought I’d share my take here. What’s YOUR take on whether it matters, how we talk to AI? open.substack.com/pub/ericakle...

open.substack.com

Does the matter, matter?

How should we think about interacting with Robots?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 12/11/2024

Super excited to bring some of my intrepid game-designing students to this event! If you find yourself there too come visit us in the expo hall where we will be displaying posters of our serious-game concepts and demoing game prototypes. www.eventbrite.com/e/games-and-...

eventbrite.com

Games and Education Industry Collider

Join us for a full day of panels, workshops, and networking, with game developers and educators from the greater Seattle area.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

Curious for a slightly deeper dive into the Music Perception infographic series I shared last month? Click on over to Substack for more. #psychscisky #psychology #music open.substack.com/pub/ericakle...

open.substack.com

Wildcard: Why do we love music?

Music perception research offers insight into a fav pastime of mine - is it one of yours, too?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 06/09/2024

I wish I’d heard this sage advice when I was early-career, so I’m sharing now! I knew “corrective” wasn’t working but it took a brave student to share “How her Eng Prf did it” for me find a different way. I’m now a champion: give Agentic a try. www.scientificamerican.com/article/usef...

scientificamerican.com

Useful Feedback, More Than Praise, Helps Students Flourish

Teacher feedback that gives students options can make them feel empowered

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 23/08/2024

#PsychSciSky - calling on Cog Psych / Cog Sci folks: Can you help? I'm looking for an engaging review of human intelligence for an Intro to Cognition class (my text book doesn't include a chap on Intell). Pls share your favs.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 17/08/2024

👋🏻I’ve been here for a couple months now but haven’t said much abt myself yet. I’m starting my 22nd year as a Psych Prf. And am here to connect and share modern psych content. I think we all shld take psych memes more seriously. Click the link for why. #PsychSciSky open.substack.com/pub/ericakle...

open.substack.com

Meme Matters [in Psychology?]

Memes will never convert me: Truth or Fiction?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 06/08/2024

Twenty+ yrs ago I didn’t have a great answer for WHY music was such a powerful memory aid, but I do now, thanks to the rise of Neuro-Music research. Really cool stuff happening in these labs. #Psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky #Music

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 30/07/2024

💙📚 In my Cognitive Development class students author children’s books designed to promote DEI & they share the stories+bonus content on websites. Today I want to share Alex’s website+story called Cora’s Crystal Ball. Check it out and 🙏let me know what you think! sites.google.com/pacificu.edu...

sites.google.com

[PSY353F22] - [Alex]

Narrative is a powerful learning tool that can be used to fight the formation of bias in children at an early age. This page is designed to give caregivers and teachers direction in how they can help ...

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 29/07/2024

My mission to help folks use #Psychology for good extends out into all my classes. In the video here I discuss with CivicSciTV host Diya D. how I do this in my Cog-Dev class (spoiler: students author children's books as a means of promoting DEI). #EduSky #PsychSciSky www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvs8...

youtube.com

Psychology Prof: How subtle changes in educator language can drive inclusion & engagement in science

In this episode of CivicSciTV’s “The Civic Science Perspective,” host Diya Dwarakanath explores cognitive psychology with Professor Erica Kleinknecht O’Shea ...

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 18/07/2024

Im prepping a new class on Psych, Games, & Social Justice and am reading a lot abt games and learning. Gamification tends to get more press, but digital-game-based-learning offers greater benefit. See the full set of 6 slides for more. ❤️ the mini lesson? 🙏share! #psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 12/07/2024

Memory processes aren’t really magic, but they are transformations! I like the Dynamic Systems Theory language of making something more - memory - from something less - electrical + chemical activity in the brain. It’s remarkable that neurons firing creates mental time travel! #PsychSciSky #Memory

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 09/07/2024

I’m grateful for you - a social media visitor who paused to scroll, like, and maybe even share! What are you grateful for? While there are many things in life we can’t control, there are some that we can ❤️. Seeking a kernel of positivity in yourself and others is one of them. #psychology #grateful

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Reposted by Erica Kleinknecht

Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 08/07/2024

There's a huge range in how people experience their "inner voice." (But people assume everybody else's is like their own.) 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/not-...

scientificamerican.com

Not Everyone Has an Inner Voice Streaming Through Their Head

The extent to which people experience “inner speech” varies greatly, and the differences matter for performing certain cognitive tasks

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Reposted by Erica Kleinknecht

Nicole König @ecoquent.bsky.social · 08/07/2024

Think this ALOUD inside your head: "No envy. I'm good. No fear. I'm good. No comparison. I'm good." Repeat until your breathing feels light and easy. Life's too short to be your own worst critic. Be your best friend instead. Strive to heal. And be happy. Then, spread the joy of both. #Kindness

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 08/07/2024

Did you know that emotions come from our brain's most important work: prediction about whether *this moment* is going to be helpful or hurtful? The feeling delivered by the prediction enervates "next steps". Said another way: Emotion = the OG algorithm! #psychology #PsychSciSky #emotion #survival

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 04/07/2024

When I first started teaching & was getting to know my colleagues an English Prof asked me what Psychology is all about. I replied: “A means of understanding the human condition.” She laughed and said, “Funny! That’s exactly how I define poetry.” #weareallhuman #psychology #poetry

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 02/07/2024

And this is why it’s a non-sequitur to state that AIs may soon reach or exceed “PhD-level” intelligence. Programs are not the same as our human “organic predictive processors” that we call brains 😄. #psychology #PsychSciSky #CognitivePsychology #CognitiveScience #AIliteracy

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 02/07/2024

It helps me to remember that wellness is dynamic and I do have some control over it 😄. Today I’m doing some yard work and yoga practice. My teenager is making cookies. What’s your go-to feel-good activity? #psychology #PsychSciSky #wellness #mentalhealth #socialmedia

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 28/06/2024

Today I'm shining a light on notable Psych-Sci scholar Dr. Patricia Greenfield who remarked 1994 that "video games are cultural instruments of cognitive socialization." It's worth it, attending to video game culture to harness gaming-power for good. #psychology #PsychSciSky #womeninscience #games

Video games are cultural artifacts that can positively influence cognition. So go play a good game! @psychsoundbites is shining a light on the intrepid work of Dr. Patricia Greenfield

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 26/06/2024

(1/2) For many parents June means "summer camp" time. Science camps can be super and their impact enhanced with a subtle shift in language. Scroll thru all 7 slides (3 here, 4 in the prev post) to learn more. In short: "Think do, not be." #psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky #WomeninSTEM #womeninscience

Children love learning about the world and how it works. Science “labs” in elementary school are fun! Why then, do girls and children from ethnic minority groups lose interest in middle childhood?

When children do not see themselves in the occupation they love -- Science -- their interest and engagement drops. The STEM workforce is only about 34% female. The STEM workforce is only about 24% diverse / non-Caucasian. What can be done about this?

Scroll for one simple solution that can make a difference, one child (and conversation)
at a time

A simple can make a world of difference. In everyday interactions (chatting, reading together) when discussing science, focus on the actions (“doing science”) not on labels (“being scientists”). Why does this matter?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 26/06/2024

(2/2) For many parents June means "summer camp" time. Science camps can be super and their impact enhanced with a subtle shift in language. Scroll thru all 7 slides (4 here, 3 in the prev post) to learn more. In short: "Think do, not be." #psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky #WomeninSTEM #womeninscience

Q. What’s wrong with identity language (Let’s be scientists)?

A. It activates categorical & stereotypical knowledge of the group “Scientist”. Children are frequently presented with language implying that a scientist is a special “kind of person”. When kids compare themselves to this presumed “kind” and they do not align, then their interest and persistance in science activities declines.

Q. What’s right with action language? (Let’s do some science)

A. By drawing children’s attention to the engaging activity that falls under the heading of science, their focus is on just that -- the activity. Children realize that many people do engage in science activities, and we want this to remain in the forefront of their minds. The more children do science and enjoy it, the more likely it is that they will continue. When personal experience builds up to a sense of identity, a sense of belonging & purpose may follow.

Q. How do we make headway in changing the demographics in STEM fields, where women & minorities remain under-represented?
A. Action-language speaks louder than identity-language when children are young. Engage young children in science and talk about doing it. Rich activities inform identity in more powerful ways than directives.

A. Action-language speaks louder than identity-language when children are young. Engage young children in science and talk about doing it. Rich activities inform identity in more powerful ways than directives.

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Reposted by Erica Kleinknecht

Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 24/06/2024

"We talk about bodily autonomy with our children; we should also talk about emotional autonomy and how children can better understand and have agency over their own emotions." Let boys smile and girls be angry 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/ther...

scientificamerican.com

‘There Are No Such Things as Gendered Emotions

We still expect children to express emotions in gendered ways. It’s harmful and needs to stop

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 23/06/2024

Kids need to play -- it's integral to healthy development. But it doesn't follow that in order to maximize educational gains all learning should occur in "gamification mode". Sometimes gamification offers learners a boost, but there are limits to it's reach. #psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky

Is learning enhanced with "fun"? Does dressing learning up as a game make learning more engaging? Learn science points to answers -->

Game Over. 1. The fun comes from learning, not the reverse. The moment of realization that "you got it!" is where the fun comes in.

2. Whereas learners anticipate that they will get more out of a game-based learning experience, the science shows no difference in gains when game-based and non-game-based learning contexts are compared.

What's the take away? 1. Learning successes don't require "fun". 2. Learning can be engaging even when it's not gamified. 3. What matters most is offering learners opportunities to realize what they are capable of -- that is a powerful, engaging feeling!

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 22/06/2024

An excellent analysis of a complex issue. I believe in “proceed with caution” discussions rather than misguided warnings. We must talk frankly abt how brains respond to scrolls: the blend of multi- sensory input directs cortex activity and the thoughts that follow open.substack.com/pub/emilyedl...

open.substack.com

The Danger of a Warning

A response to the Surgeon General

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 18/06/2024

First of a two-part post inspired by today's @nytimes.com piece calling for warning labels on social media. In a set of 6 graphics I explain why warnings are a good idea. Is this effective? How do we make this common knowledge? #psychology #EduSky #PsychSciSky #CognitivePsychology #socialmedia

Visual inputs cause signals to flow in a pattern that leads you to name what you see

Wen vision and language are combined your brain naturally starts to activate other, related information

In this way, you think about and thus are likly to also remember what you see. The more inputs that combine -- like adding music - it becomes even more memorable.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 14/06/2024

Delighted to share @jackiemchen.bsky.social's contribution to the @psychsoundbites's public scholarship project. Shining a light on implicit processes takes us one step closer to enacting positive change. #psychology #change #lifelonglearning #themoreyouknow

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

Elevating Dr. Rachel Flynn's recent #psychsoundbite that captures a key point often glossed over in media consumption discussions-- what most matters is active engagement and balance. #psych-facts #psychology #development #digital-media. Got a soundbite you'd like to see elevated? Let's chat.

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 11/06/2024

Did you know that Psychology has a public image problem? Well, it does, and Psychsoundbites aims to help. Curious readers can learn more on @psychsoundbite's Substack. The newsletter linked here lays out the issue. Check it out! Psychsoundbite subscriptions are free. substack.com/home/post/p-...

substack.com

Why [what is a] “Psychsoundbite”?

“Psychsoundbites” made its debut in the Fall of 2019, with one foot in the physical and one foot in the virtual world. In the physical world, that semester I rolled out a new assignment I’d created fo...

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 11/06/2024

@psychsoundbite's reason for being is to improve representation of modern psych-sci content on digital media. While I've got plenty to share, I'm looking for colleagues who want to participate too. Psych-colleagues: What's your fav #psych-fact, one you think folks would benefit from knowing?

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Erica Kleinknecht @psychsoundbites.bsky.social · 10/06/2024

My first Bsky post is a little fun and a little serious, regarding the X-files legacy: While the Scully effect is super cool, should we talk about the possibility of a Mulder effect too? @psychsoundbites wants to know what you think.

X-files legacy: While the Scully effect is cool, should we worry about a Mulder effect as well? @psychsoundbites wants to know what you think.

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