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    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior
    In-person Program

    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown’s psychology course explores cognitive biases, pseudoscience, and controversial claims about human behavior, helping students evaluate research and reason from evidence.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9–12; no course prerequisites

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $4,482; $5,786

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PsychologyMedicine
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Three daily residential; one daily commuter
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital CeCertificate; Course Performance Report
    Residential options: Residential or commuter
    Instructor: Brandon Gaudiano
    Class schedule: Monday–Friday, 3:30–6:20 p.m. ET
    Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades

    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior summary

    This Brown Pre-College course uses psychology and medicine to test how people evaluate unusual claims and distinguish scientific reasoning from pseudoscience.

    Students examine cognitive biases and controversial research, practicing an approach that combines an open mind with a demand for adequate evidence.

    Its strongest fit is a student who enjoys questioning explanations and discussing research, with college-style independence alongside structured academic study.

    What is Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior is a Brown University Pre-College course examining how scientific reasoning can challenge cognitive biases. Examples drawn primarily from psychology and medicine help students explore the distinction between science and pseudoscience, including uncertain boundaries and the limitations of scientific knowledge.

    The course encourages students to evaluate unusual claims without accepting or dismissing them automatically. Its on-campus Summer@Brown setting combines class discussion, group work, and independent study with a wider college-life experience.

    Why Succeed highlights Critical Thinking About Human Behavior

    • The course connects critical thinking to concrete psychological and medical claims rather than treating it as an abstract skill.

    • Its emphasis on cognitive biases gives students a useful framework for questioning their own reasoning.

    • Students practice forming tentative conclusions from research instead of seeking certainty without sufficient evidence.

    • An instructor Course Performance Report adds individual feedback to the learning experience.

    Who is Critical Thinking About Human Behavior for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology, scientific evidence, and why persuasive explanations can still be unreliable.

    Not ideal if

    You want clinical training, college credit, or a tightly supervised campus experience throughout the day.

    Is Critical Thinking About Human Behavior worth it?

    This course is a strong choice if you want to test your interest in psychology through careful argument and research evaluation. Its specific focus on cognitive biases and controversial claims offers a clearer academic purpose than choosing a summer course mainly for its university name.

    The value depends on whether you will engage with the independent work and campus responsibilities. It provides neither college credit nor a special route into Brown undergraduate admission, so judge the experience by its learning value and your family's budget.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,482; $5,786; includes One two-week academic course., Residential housing and three meals daily with residential fees., One on-campus meal daily with commuter fees., Access to fitness, athletic, and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Three daily residential; one daily commuter

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Critical Thinking About Human Behavior need?

    Effort level

    High, with weekday classes and daily independent work.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the next announced application deadline to prepare documents and English testing if needed.

    Main challenge

    Evaluating uncertain claims while managing study time independently.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft your application essay in your own words and gather both academic years of grades.

    • Review the distinction between a persuasive claim and evidence that supports it.

    • Plan study routines and family communication before traveling.

    • Review course-material instructions at least two weeks before classes begin.

    Useful if

    You enjoy discussing competing explanations and examining research.

    What do students do on Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    You examine how cognitive biases affect beliefs and use scientific reasoning to assess controversial claims in psychology and medicine. The course builds toward evidence-based, tentative conclusions rather than automatic acceptance or rejection.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Identify common cognitive heuristics and biases that influence thinking.

    2. 2

      Examine the differences and boundaries between science and pseudoscience.

    3. 3

      Evaluate research on topics such as hypnosis, homeopathy, and personality testing.

    4. 4

      Use logical reasoning and sound evidence to form tentative conclusions.

    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College admissions deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    29 June-10 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9–12.

    • Ages 14–18 by 14 June 2026.

    • No course prerequisites.

    • Strong English language proficiency.

    • Required English testing for qualifying international applicants.

    • Brown Pre-College admission followed by separate course enrollment.

    How much does Critical Thinking About Human Behavior cost?

    Program fee

    $4,482; $5,786 — 2026 commuter and residential totals, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Nonrefundable; required before course enrollment.
    • Conditional insurance: $80 — Required for international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.
    • Sibley scholarships: Need-based aid — Limited funding for eligible U.S. citizenship and residency groups.
    • PPSD scholarships: Full scholarship — Eligible admitted Providence Public School District students must complete the scholarship form.
    • Partner scholarships: Partner nomination — Requires nomination by an established Brown partner organization.
    • Employee dependent scholarships: 20% or 50% — For qualified dependents; the 50% option is partially taxable.

    What's included

    One two-week academic course., Residential housing and three meals daily with residential fees., One on-campus meal daily with commuter fees., Access to fitness, athletic, and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Critical Thinking About Human Behavior

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in Brown's Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write an original 250–500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Pay the application fee or request a qualifying waiver.

    5. 5

      Provide English-test results, recommendations, or additional materials when required.

    6. 6

      Monitor your portal for requests and the admissions decision.

    7. 7

      After admission, confirm your intended course before paying the deposit and enrolling separately.

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    What does Critical Thinking About Human Behavior cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Cognitive biases

    Identify common heuristics and biases that influence how people think.

    Science and pseudoscience

    Examine scientific methods, disputed boundaries, and the limitations of science.

    Memory and unusual claims

    Evaluate claims involving extrasensory perception, recovered memories, alien abduction, and hypnosis.

    Psychological and medical controversies

    Examine homeopathy, personality testing, and controversial mental health treatments through research evaluation.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course classes

    Monday–Friday, 3:30–6:20 p.m. ET.

    Independent study

    Plan two to three hours of out-of-class work each day.

    Campus activities

    Optional workshops, activities, and events fit around required classes.

    Residential check in

    Face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. ET; remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    Brandon Gaudiano is the listed instructor for this course section. Summer@Brown students can use instructor office hours to discuss course content and assignments, alongside library, writing, and English-language support services.

    Where do students stay on Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double, or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet, and air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown's dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Laundry and recreation: Residence hall laundry has no additional usage fee, and campus fitness facilities are accessible.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend classes in person and use campus resources and activities without a residence hall assignment.
    • Commuter meal and facilities: One on-campus meal daily and fitness, athletic, and aquatics access are included.

    Roommate requests are not honored; students should bring their own bedding and towels.

    What happens after Critical Thinking About Human Behavior?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Digital CeCertificate after successful course completion.

    Instructor Course Performance Report on your work and engagement.

    Stronger research evaluation and evidence-based reasoning.

    Experience managing college-style academic and personal responsibilities.

    Summer@Brown is non-credit and is not a prospecting program for Brown undergraduate admission.

    Where does Critical Thinking About Human Behavior take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families coordinate transportation themselves, and residential check-in takes place at Sayles Hall on the Main Green.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments; out-of-state travel requires parent or guardian authorization.

    Critical Thinking About Human Behavior FAQs

    No. The course has no prerequisites.

    Examples come primarily from psychology and medicine. Students examine cognitive biases, the distinction between science and pseudoscience, and controversial claims about human behavior.

    The listed instructor for Course 10186 is Brandon Gaudiano.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not award formal grades.

    Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. This two-week in-person course also qualifies for a Course Performance Report from the instructor.

    Yes. Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one on-campus meal per day and access to campus resources, activities, and fitness facilities.

    Summer@Brown expects two to three hours of out-of-class work each day, alongside weekday classes. Students manage this work around campus activities.

    Residential students have trained staff support and a required nightly check-in at 10 p.m. ET. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments, so families should discuss communication and independence beforehand.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking About Human Behavior

    Compare these options if you want psychology study online, a neuroscience focus, or a philosophical approach to examining ideas.

    Alternatives to Critical Thinking About Human Behavior

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    Best for

    Students prioritizing psychology without campus travel.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Application Fee Waivers | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Critical Thinking About Human Behavior - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course description reviewed

    • Course timetable reviewed

    • Admissions guidance compared

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Scholarship eligibility reviewed

    • Campus support policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.