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Expert has run a large program of research on the psychology of thinking and reasoning since the early 1970’s, authoring eight books and numerous scientific papers on these topics. His early work focussed on cognitive biases in reasoning, judgment and decision making, an interest which he has retained to the present day. He conducted pioneering studies in on several such biases, including the now intensively studied influence of belief bias on reasoning. People – even of high intelligence – will tend to claim that conclusions follow from arguments when they agree with the conclusions. Conversely, they deny the validity of arguments whose conclusions they disagree with. This bias is related to, but distinct from, confirmation bias – the tendency selectively to seek evidence to support existing beliefs.
In addition to his expertise in experimental cognitive psychology, Expert is also a theorist. His study of bias in human reasoning led him to develop early versions of what are now called ‘dual process’ theories of thinking and reasoning in the 1970’s and 80’s. Such theories distinguish fast, intuitive processes (Type 1) from slower, reflective ones (Type 2). Dual process theories are now widespread in cognitive and social psychology. Expert has been extensively involved in the development of modern, high –profile versions of this theory over the past 15 years, in conjunction with leading cognitive scientists such as Danny Kahneman and Keith Stanovich. Expert is considered one of the world’s leading experts on the topic, and has accepted recent invitations to review the field for premier scientific journals (Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2003; Annual Review of Psychology, 2008) as well as publishing several recent books on the topic.
Expert has also argued in many publications for the integration of the psychology of reasoning and decision making. Throughout his career he has conducted regular research on judgement and decision making, as well as reasoning, and sought common theoretical interpretation of the two fields. His interest in cognitive biases and dual processes are applied also to these topics.
Expert has experience of applied research and consultancy including studies of medical decision making, engineering design and educational testing. Now an Emeritus Expert and freed from routine university duties, he wishes to spend more of his time applying his knowledge to the solution of real world problems.


Educational Testing Services, Princeton 1997-2000:
Expert, with colleagues at Plymouth, provided applied research and consultancy to ETS concerning the analytical reasoning items in the GRE. Expert had particular responsibility for developing software to generate items automatically and instantiate metrics of item difficulty. As a result, ETS were able to automate item production.Unilever, UK, 2006:
Expert prepared a report discussing the implications of dual process theory for product design and marketing.