Dr. Michael Ranney

Professor

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Biography

Michael Ranney's research explores understanding nature explanations across formal and informal domains, aiming to foster the incorporation of challenging information such as global climate change. His work focuses on explanatory coherence, with collaborations studying utility reasoning about nature that involves both supportive and contradictory relations. Ranney develops curricula and artificial intelligence software aimed at improving rational thinking. He analyzes how laypeople's knowledge exhibits a fragmented understanding across diverse topics such as physics, biology, abortion, and immigration. His latest projects look into reasoning for policy-making involving socially significant statistical rates. Ranney is the head of the Berkeley Reasoning Research Group and has published various works in cognitive science, including studies on climate change, numeracy, and evolution acceptance. He is affiliated with the UC Berkeley and UC Merced cognitive science faculties as well as several interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Research Interests

Cognitive Science Human-Computer Interaction Learner-centered Education Learning Mathematics Education Policy Analysis Evaluation Research Methods Science Education Technology in Schools

Experience

Affiliated Professor

— Present

Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Engages in research and teaching in cognitive science and psychology.

Member

— Present

Executive Committee, Interdisciplinary Cognitive Science • University of California, Berkeley

Involved in overseeing cognitive science curriculum and research.

Member

— Present

Executive Committee, SESAME (Graduate Group Science Mathematics Education) • University of California, Berkeley

Contributes to science and mathematics education initiatives.

Member

— Present

Berkeley Institute of the Environment • University of California, Berkeley

Participates in environmental research and education.

Affiliated Professor

— Present

Cognitive Information Sciences, University of California, Merced • Merced, CA

Engages in research and teaching related to cognitive information sciences.

Member

— Present

Center for Climate Change Communication • University of California, Merced

Involved in climate change communication efforts.

Member

— Present

Institute of Personality and Social Research • University of California, Berkeley

Conducts research related to personality and social psychology.

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.