Learning How To Learn Psychology can unlock a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, and you can learn how to do it with LEARNS.EDU.VN. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to mastering psychological concepts and theories, whether you’re interested in cognitive psychology, behavioral psychology, or simply exploring the human mind. Dive in to discover effective learning strategies, insightful resources, and practical tips for success. By understanding the science of mind and behavior, you can gain valuable insights into your personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and professional endeavors.
1. Ignite Your Curiosity With Engaging Psychology Books
Starting your psychology learning journey with accessible and fascinating books is a great way to fuel your enthusiasm. Forget about dry textbooks and academic lectures at first. Instead, choose popular psychology books written for the general public. These books often cover intriguing and practical topics, making them perfect for beginners.
These commercially successful books are designed to be engaging and easy to understand, without the heavy jargon that can bog down academic texts. They’re perfect for sparking your interest and setting the stage for more in-depth study.
Here are a few popular psychology books to get you started:
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman: Explores the two systems that drive the way we think, offering insights into decision-making and cognitive biases.
- “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini: Reveals the six principles of persuasion and how they influence our behavior.
- “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: Introduces the concept of growth mindset and how it can lead to greater achievement and personal fulfillment.
After reading a couple of these books, you should have a strong foundation of interest to move on to more academic psychology materials. However, if you decide psychology isn’t for you, that’s perfectly fine too.
2. Build A Strong Foundation With An Introductory Course Or Textbook
Once your curiosity is sparked, it’s time to gain an overview of the field of psychology as it’s taught in universities. This step is about getting a solid understanding of the basics, so you can move forward and self-study more complex material.
An introductory online course, a comprehensive textbook, or a combination of both will provide you with the language, research methods, and historical context you’ll need later on.
One of the best ways to find credible introductory courses and textbooks is to look at syllabi from top universities.
Below are some of the best online courses and textbooks for self-learning psychology as a beginner.
Note: The online course mentioned below uses the textbook recommended, so you can combine both if you like. This is likely the best option for most self-directed learners.
2.1. Online Course: Yale’s Introduction To Psychology
Yale’s Introduction to Psychology is a free, self-paced online course with lectures, required readings, and even exams. It covers the basics of psychology for new students, exploring topics like dreams, decision-making, memory, and emotions.
Here are a few of the topics you’ll explore throughout the course:
| Lecture Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | An overview of the course and the scope of psychology. |
| The Brain | Explores the structure and function of the brain and its relationship to behavior. |
| Development of the Brain | Discusses how the brain develops from infancy to adulthood. |
| Nature and Nurture | Examines the roles of genetics and environment in shaping behavior. |
| Genetic Influences | Focuses on the specific ways that genes influence our psychological traits. |
| Psychological Disorders | Provides an introduction to various psychological disorders and their symptoms. |
| Happiness | Explores the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being. |
| Consciousness | Examines the nature of consciousness and different states of awareness. |
| Attention | Discusses the cognitive processes involved in attention and how we focus our mental resources. |
| Memory | Explores the different types of memory and how they function. |
| Reason and Emotion | Examines the interplay between reason and emotion in decision-making. |
| What is Morality | Discusses the psychological foundations of morality and ethical behavior. |
This course offers real recordings from a classroom setting and provides bulky reading lists, which is beneficial for self-learners. If Yale’s approach doesn’t suit you, MIT has also published their lectures from their introduction to psychology course on YouTube.
2.2. Textbook: Psychology by Peter Gray
Psychology is an introductory psychology textbook written by Peter Gray. It teaches you the basics of psychology, focusing on the interactions between behavior and biological science. It also surveys the history of psychology, so you can learn about all the major breakthroughs, theories, and experiments in the field. Many readers find it conversational, engaging, and easy to digest.
Yale’s online course above uses this textbook to teach the class. However, if you don’t have time to listen to lectures and just want to read the book, that’s perfectly fine too.
In summary, whether you read the textbook, take the course, or do a combination of both, you’ll give yourself a solid introduction to psychology.
3. Expand Your Knowledge With Additional Beginner Psychology Courses
Now that you’ve taken PSYCH 101, try your brain at some other psychology courses designed for beginners. You can find plenty online from top universities.
Here are a few free popular entry-level psychology courses I found on the web:
| Course Name | Provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Coursera (Wesleyan University) | This course provides a broad overview of the science of psychology, covering topics such as the brain and behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, social psychology, and developmental psychology. |
| Social Psychology | Coursera (Wesleyan University) | Explores how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. |
| Positive Psychology | Coursera (University of North Carolina) | Focuses on the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, including topics such as happiness, gratitude, resilience, and meaning. |
| Child Development | Coursera (University of California, San Diego) | This course examines the major theories and research findings in child development, from infancy through adolescence. Topics include cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. |
| Cognitive Psychology | edX (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | Introduces the study of human thought, exploring topics such as attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. |
If you take these courses along with PSYCH 101, you’ll give yourself an education nearly equivalent to that of undergraduate majors after their first year at school.
4. Enhance Learning By Regularly Listening To Psychology Podcasts
Now, you’ve spent some time in academia, perhaps too much time. You can also learn psychology through more accessible on-the-go mediums, such as podcasts.
Psychology podcasts can supplement your book learning and make your chores, walks, or drives more enlightening.
Podcasts also tend to be a great way to learn about current developments and findings in the field, as they usually involve conversations with practicing research or clinical psychologists.
Here are two of the best podcasts for people learning psychology on their own:
4.1. Popcorn Psychology
Popcorn Psychology features three therapists analyzing psychological behaviors and issues in popular movies, making it the perfect podcast for movie lovers with an interest in psychology.
For example, in one episode, they break down Coraline and discuss some heavy topics like the negative effects neglectful parents have on children. Another is about Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and individuation, ecological grief, and internal family systems.
4.2. Speaking of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology features PhD psychologists talking about the most relevant and interesting psychological research being done today.
For people teaching themselves psychology, it’s perfect because it allows you to connect what you’re reading about in courses with modern life. That can be both motivating and fascinating. For example, one of the more recent and incredibly on-topic episodes dives into the science of studying. It teaches you how to use psychological tricks to learn more effectively.
5. Delve Into Foundational Works With The Norton Anthology Of Psychology
Constructed for beginners and intermediates, The Norton Anthology of Psychology is a collection of some of the most impactful essays and articles in the history of psychology.
The essays are divided into various sections:
- Methods
- Evolution and genes
- Language
- Memory and Cognition
- And more
Inside, you’ll find writings from early pioneers like William James and Sigmund Freud as well as articles from more contemporary psychologists like Steven Pinker and Noam Chomsky.
You can use this book to supplement your other studies, read it all the way through, or select essays that seem interesting to you. A good strategy for consuming anthologies is to read one essay or article per night.
Pro Tip: Some of the vocabulary will be slightly new to you, even if you’ve done some prior psychology reading. Keep a dictionary close by.
6. Stay Current With The Psychology Section Of Scientific American
To stay up-to-date on scientific advancements and discoveries, turn to Scientific American, a print and digital magazine covering the latest findings across psychology, health, tech, space, and environmental science.
Consider reading one article per day from the Mind and Body section, where you’ll find clear and fascinating science writing on relevant topics.
Aside from being interesting, this will help you become conversant in modern psychology and give you a sense for what modern psychologists are asking and investigating.
7. Specialize Your Knowledge By Exploring Each Major Branch Of Psychology
The field of Psychology consists of five major branches, each exploring a unique set of psychological topics. At this point, it’s smart to pick one and do a deep dive into it, as a graduate student would. It’s often smart to go wide first so you can find where you want to go deep.
Below are the five major branches of psychology along with their subfields:
| Branch of Psychology | Subfields |
|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology | Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders; psychotherapy; counseling; crisis intervention. |
| Cognitive Psychology | Memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, language, perception. |
| Developmental Psychology | Physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan; child psychology; adolescent psychology; aging. |
| Social Psychology | Attitudes, persuasion, group behavior, interpersonal relationships, prejudice, discrimination. |
| Biopsychology (Neuroscience) | Biological basis of behavior; genetics; brain structure and function; neurotransmitters; hormones. |
You might already have a sense of what interests you most. Even then, it’s best to do some further exploration of each branch before committing to one for a 2-6 month period.
If you want to give each branch a serious look and develop a strong interdisciplinary understanding of psychology, you could get a textbook on each branch and study it before selecting one as a focus.
Here are five textbooks for teaching yourself the five overarching branches of psychology:
| Branch of Psychology | Textbook |
|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology | “Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice” by Drew Westen and Joni Mihura |
| Cognitive Psychology | “Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience” by E. Bruce Goldstein |
| Developmental Psychology | “Developmental Psychology: From Infancy to Adulthood” by David R. Shaffer and Katherine Kipp |
| Social Psychology | “Social Psychology” by David Myers and Jean Twenge |
| Biopsychology (Neuroscience) | “Biopsychology” by John P.J. Pinel and Steven J. Barnes |
As you read, take notes and answer the questions, as they’ll help you remember what you’ve read and improve your overall comprehension of the text. But don’t obsess over the notes. Only document what’s most important. If you try to remember everything, you’ll remember nothing.
8. Cultivate Lifelong Learning By Following Your Curiosity
At this point, you can start to narrow your focus to a specific branch of psychology, or even a subtopic within a branch, like drug and alcohol addiction within mental health psychology. Let curiosity be your guide and continue reading as much as possible.
If you’re interested in becoming a counselor, psychologist, therapist, or researcher, consider going back to school to get the training and certifications you need.
If you need a break but want to continue engaging in self-education, try self-learning a tangential field like philosophy. Numerous philosophers asked questions related to psychology, like what makes a happy life and what is human nature? Studying philosophy will therefore give you a unique perspective on psychological issues.
FAQ: Your Questions About Learning Psychology, Answered
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to learn psychology on my own? | Absolutely. With the resources available today, self-studying psychology is entirely feasible. Online courses, textbooks, podcasts, and articles can provide a comprehensive education. |
| What are the best resources for learning psychology? | Yale’s Introduction to Psychology, Peter Gray’s “Psychology” textbook, Popcorn Psychology podcast, and Scientific American are excellent resources. Additionally, consider exploring The Norton Anthology of Psychology for foundational works. |
| How long does it take to learn psychology? | The duration varies depending on your goals and commitment. Gaining a basic understanding can take a few months, while achieving a deeper, more specialized knowledge may take years of dedicated study. |
| Do I need a degree to practice psychology? | Yes, in most jurisdictions, you need a degree and license to practice psychology professionally. However, self-studying psychology can be a valuable supplement to formal education or for personal enrichment. |
| What are the key concepts in psychology? | Key concepts include cognitive processes, behavioral patterns, developmental stages, social influences, and biological factors. Understanding these concepts provides a foundation for exploring specific branches of psychology. |
| How can I apply psychology in my daily life? | Psychology can enhance your understanding of yourself and others, improve communication skills, and inform decision-making. By applying psychological principles, you can foster personal growth, build stronger relationships, and navigate complex situations more effectively. |
| What are the different branches of psychology? | Clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, and biopsychology are major branches. Each branch focuses on unique aspects of human behavior and mental processes. |
| Can I use psychology to improve my mental health? | Psychology provides insights into mental health, but it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance and treatment. Self-studying psychology can complement professional care and empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being. |
| What are some common misconceptions about psychology? | Common misconceptions include equating psychology with mind-reading or believing that psychological research is simply common sense. Psychology is a scientific discipline that relies on empirical evidence and rigorous methodology to understand behavior and mental processes. |
| How does LEARNS.EDU.VN support individuals learning psychology? | LEARNS.EDU.VN offers a variety of resources, including articles, courses, and expert insights, to support individuals in their psychology learning journey. Our platform provides accessible, engaging content that caters to diverse learning styles and interests. |
Bottom Line: Embarking On Your Self-Learning Psychology Journey
Self-studying psychology outside of school is an admirable and feasible mission, provided that you have the drive and passion. Schedule at least thirty minutes into every day to read your books or watch your lectures.
If you follow this for a year, you’ll be amazed at how informed you are about psychological theories, experiments, and past and modern research. Plus, you’ll be better equipped mentally with more powerful critical thinking and reasoning to tackle other subjects that interest you.
If you’re eager to learn more and delve deeper into the fascinating world of psychology, visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today. We offer a wealth of resources, including comprehensive articles, expert insights, and tailored learning paths, to help you unlock your full potential in understanding the human mind. Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal growth, improve your relationships, or advance your career, learns.edu.vn is your go-to destination for accessible, engaging, and effective psychology education. Don’t wait—start your journey of self-discovery with us now and transform your understanding of the world! Our address is 123 Education Way, Learnville, CA 90210, United States. Feel free to reach out via Whatsapp: +1 555-555-1212.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
