Pub Psychology: Guilty or not guilty? How you can make better decisions

What you'll learn

We are all fascinated by criminal trials. They are a staple of our daily news media. Most of these trials involve juries – twelve people randomly selected to pass judgement on their fellow citizens. This talk explores the criminal trial process examining how you assess evidence and make judgements. 

How do you make decisions?

How do you make decisions based on complex evidence? How does a juror decide the guilt of a defendant faced with lots of conflicting information? Are we rational beings applying long-established rules of evidence or is thinking much more complex and obscure – peppered with biases? The speakers ask why we (mostly) get things right, but also why we sometimes get things disastrously wrong. 

Guilty or not? Better decisions

Drawing on the combined expertise of a professor of psychology (David Lagnado, UCL) and a KC barrister (David Bentley) this talk will look afresh at what’s behind legal trials that both fascinate and appal us and provide a deeper understanding of how your mind works when confronting evidence. You'll understand different ways for learning, improving & tools to help you make better judgements.


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The Speakers

David Lagnado 

David Lagnado is a cognitive psychologist and professor at the University College London (UCL). His research focuses on the psychological processes that underlie human learning, reasoning and decision-making. A major theme is the central role played by causal models in cognition. 

David investigates how people learn causal models from uncertain data, and how they use these models to draw inferences and make decisions. David has extended this work to legal decision-making, showing that people use their causal knowledge to organise evidence and make decisions. 

Another key theme is the interplay between causal thinking and judgements of responsibility. David examines how people use causal models to attribute credit and blame in moral and legal contexts.

David Bentley KC

With over 30 years of trial and appeal work, David Bentley KC brings this experience and judgement to bear on every case he undertakes. Recognised as a leading heavyweight silk, with a practice based largely at the Old Bailey, David is instructed in many of the highest profile and most challenging cases that come before the courts.

His practice, though focused in recent years on murder and terrorism, also takes in financial crime and sexual offences.

He is a senior member and past leader of Doughty Street’s Crime Team – top-ranked in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.


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The Agenda

18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers

Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll be in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded young professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. We'll also have an interactive pub psychology quiz in groups using your mobile phone.

19:30-20:30- 'TED style' talk

Learn something new.

20:30 - 21:00 - Q and A

Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.

21:00 - 22:00 - Networking mingle

Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network. 


The Venue

We'll be in the 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.

This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.

One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.

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FAQs – Pub psychology events

Who attends these events?

This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working (or aspiring to work) in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, counselling, wellness and wellbeing, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network.

Will you sell tickets on the door?

No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!

I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?

Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 1 hour after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.

Will I be able to network?

Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.

Can I come just for the talk?

Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved. 

Are you on social media?

Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite

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About us

Want to learn about psychology, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for young professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.

Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.

Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠