Harvard University psychologist Daniel Wegner is trying to figure out why we can’t stop ourselves from doing stupid things while under stress, a trait exemplified by the character of Jeff Murdock on the BBC show Coupling. But what exactly are ironic processes?

Using ingenious experiments to reveal the brain’s hidden machinations, Wegner and others have found that our brains expend steady, conscious effort to avoid talking about ex-girlfriends on first dates, sending putts off the green, or letting slip the real reason you were late for work.

But when our conscious minds are stressed and preoccupied — by, for example, a desire not to screw up — a subconscious process devoted to guarding against the mistake slips through. Unwanted thoughts pop into the forefront of your mind.

It’s a fascinating area of study, though I have to admit, I hope they don’t find a way to keep it from happening. Too much comedy would be lost as a result.

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