Why people recommend it
Choke by Sian Beilock is a psychological exploration examining why people frequently underperform during critical, high-pressure moments and how the human brain reacts when stakes are at their highest. Stephen Dubner discussed the book on Freakonomics Radio, speaking with the author directly. Dubner noted that his initial familiarity with Beilock's professional work stemmed from her extensive academic research into the phenomenon of choking under pressure, prompting him to ask about the origins of her scientific interest in the subject. Additionally, Angela Duckworth brought up Beilock's work on an episode of No Stupid Questions titled How Do You Avoid Freezing Under Pressure?. Duckworth highlighted Beilock as a prominent scientist renowned for her dedicated studies on high-pressure performance, specifically referencing a specific intervention and research study that Beilock and her colleagues conducted. Across both podcasts, the book is recognized as a definitive, scientifically grounded resource for understanding the cognitive mechanisms that cause individuals to falter when expectations peak and how targeted behavioral interventions can help people maintain their composure.
Who recommended it
- Stephen Dubner Discussed
- Angela Duckworth Discussed
Stephen Dubner — 1 mention
“Let's talk about your research on choking, which is how I came to know you initially. Why did that topic interest you first of all?”
Angela Duckworth — 1 mention
“there's a research study by Siam bilock who's a scientist as well known as any scientist who's studied choking and wrote a book called choke on the science of high pressure performance in the intervention that she did with a group of colleagues”