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Each entry on these lists of common misconceptions is phrased as a correction; the misconceptions themselves are implied rather than explicitly stated. These entries are concise summaries, and readers can consult the main subject articles for more detail.

Common misconceptions are widely accepted viewpoints or factoids that are actually false. They often arise from conventional wisdom (such as old wives’ tales), stereotypes, superstitions, logical fallacies, misunderstandings of science, or the popularization of pseudoscience and pseudohistory. Some misconceptions are also considered urban legends and may contribute to moral panics.

Lists

Main lists

  • List of common misconceptions about arts and culture
  • List of common misconceptions about history
  • List of common misconceptions about science, technology, and mathematics

Additional lists

  • List of common misconceptions about language learning
  • List of common misconceptions about the Middle Ages
  • Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS

See also

  • False memory
  • Illusory truth effect
  • Legends and myths regarding the Titanic
  • List of cognitive biases
  • List of common false etymologies of English words
  • List of conspiracy theories
  • List of fallacies
  • List of topics characterized as pseudoscience
  • List of urban legends
  • Mondegreen
  • Outline of public relations
  • Pseudodoxia Epidemica
  • QI
  • Scientific misconceptions
  • Superseded theories in science
  • The Straight Dope

Further reading

  • List of children's misconceptions about science
  • Misconceptions taught by science textbooks
  • Bad Science