Beware neuro-stuff!

You can see it everywhere these days – neuro this and neuro that. Wherever we look, there are adverts for training your brain, neuro-leadership, neuro-coaching and, today, I even spotted neuro coffee! What are we to make of all this?

On the surface, it's incredibly compelling. We tend to assume that if the word neuro is attached to something, it must be grounded in science and therefore worth paying attention to.

Certainly, neuroscience has made remarkable advances over the last few decades, particularly since developments in brain imaging technology have allowed researchers to observe which areas of the brain become active during different activities and thought processes. This has transformed our understanding of how the brain works.

Yet there's an interesting phenomenon running alongside these advances. A research paper titled Deconstructing the Seductive Allure of Neuroscience Explanations suggests that we are often more likely to believe a claim simply because it's presented in the context of neuroscience.

In other words, the word neuro can sometimes make something sound more convincing than the evidence actually supports.

The rise of neuromyths

As a result, a number of popular neuromyths have emerged.

One of the best-known is the idea that the right side of the brain is responsible for creativity, while the left deals with logic and analysis. In reality, the picture is far more complex. Both hemispheres contribute to a wide range of cognitive functions, working together rather than independently.

Another common claim is that excessive screen use creates "internet junkies" purely because it stimulates dopamine release. Whilst dopamine certainly plays a role in motivation and reward, the science behind addiction is far more nuanced than this simple explanation suggests.

Then there's the old chestnut of the triune brain. You may have heard that we have three brains of different evolutionary ages: the reptilian brain responsible for instinct, the mammalian brain responsible for emotion, and the neocortex responsible for rational thought.

It's a wonderfully memorable model.

Unfortunately, modern neuroscience doesn't support it as an accurate representation of how the brain evolved or functions.

A shame really, it certainly tells a good story!

Looking for good neuroscience

That doesn't mean neuroscience isn't useful. Quite the opposite.

There's an enormous amount of fascinating, well-conducted research helping us better understand learning, behaviour, memory, emotion and decision-making.

The key is making sure we're drawing on evidence that is rigorous, current and comes from reputable sources.

One resource I've found particularly valuable is the work of Dr Sarah McKay at The Neuroscience Academy. There is a wealth of accessible information available through her articles and resources for anyone interested in learning more about neuroscience without getting caught up in the hype.

Questions worth asking

Whenever you come across the latest exciting "neuro" product, course or methodology, it can be worth pausing and asking yourself a few questions.

• Does it simply mention neuroscience, or does it explain the evidence behind its claims?
• Are reputable research studies referenced?
• Who wrote it, and are they appropriately qualified?
• Does it sound balanced, or does it promise miraculous results?
• If it sounds too good to be true, could it be?

A little healthy scepticism is rarely a bad thing.

What does this mean for coaching?

Coaching and neuroscience naturally overlap because both are interested in behaviour, learning and change.

When coaching helps someone develop new habits, think differently or see a situation from a new perspective, changes are taking place in the brain. Understanding some of the science behind those changes can be incredibly valuable.

However, simply attaching the word neuro to coaching doesn't automatically make it more effective.

Good coaching should always be informed by sound evidence rather than fashionable terminology.

Because when it comes to your brain, there's very little that's more important than making sure the information you trust is as reliable as possible.