The Cognition Project

Glimpses of the Mind: Molly Potter

Feb 4, 2026
Molly Potter, cognitive psychologist who pioneered methods for studying rapid visual perception and memory. She recounts developing rapid serial visual presentation and experiments on what a single glance captures. She reflects on early cognitive science culture, links between perception and design, and challenges for connecting cognitive theory with neuroscience.
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ANECDOTE

From Secretary To Cognitive Scientist

  • Molly Potter described starting as Jerome Bruner's secretary and research assistant before becoming a graduate student.
  • That role launched her entry into cognitive science and long-term collaboration with Bruner.
INSIGHT

Perception Is Decision-Making

  • Potter used signal detection theory to link perception with decision-making under uncertainty.
  • She framed perception as influenced by probabilities, values, and payoffs, not just stimuli.
ANECDOTE

A Move From Planning To Psychology

  • Potter moved to MIT's city planning department to study how people perceive environments and teach environmental psychology.
  • That appointment later shifted into the psychology department where she got tenure.
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