If you do decide there’s something specific you’d like to know about, do some preliminary internet research on psychology to see what sub-topics within psychology are most closely related to your interests. Websites of university psychology departments or the website of the American Psychological Association can be reliable places to do some of this preliminary research. For instance, if you decide that you want to know how Psychologists treat patients, you will want to focus on learning about clinical psychology. Or if you decide that you’d like to know about human interaction, you will want to learn about social psychology.
You can determine who is the intended audience for a book by paying attention to its title and publisher’s description. If a title sounds uninviting or overly specific, it is probably intended for expert readers. For instance, a book titled A Study of Stimulus Response in Males Aged 19-21, would almost certainly be intended for readers already very familiar with psychology. The publisher’s description for a book often will tell you about the book’s intended audience. For instance, if the back of a book says something like “this book is great for students and curious readers,” it will most likely be intended for readers like you who are not already experts. Some popular psychology books written for a wide audience include: The Social Animal by Eliot Aronson; Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman; The Art of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar; Drive by Daniel H. Pink; and The Power of Habit by Charles Dugigg.
Some textbooks that are used in introductory psychology classes at universities include: An Introduction to the History of Psychology by B. R. Hergenhahn and Tracy B. Henley; Introduction to Psychology by James W. Kalat; and Psychology by David G. Meyers. [3] X Research source
There are many podcasts out there, so you should read descriptions of some to find out which discuss topics most closely related to your interests. Anyone can create a podcast, so to ensure that you choose a podcast with accurate information, investigate who makes it. Podcasts produced by psychology experts (people with degrees in psychology) or podcasts produced by well-regarded institutions, like NPR, should be the most reliable. Some popular Psychology podcasts include: “Shrink Rap Radio,” “School of Psych,” and “The Psychology Podcast. ”[4] X Research source
Yale and Stanford, for instance, have a number of recorded lectures that you can download from their website. Apps like iTunesU aggregate recorded lectures from a number of universities.
If you are listening to podcasts or lectures, you can decide to combine studying with your commute, with chores, or with exercise. In making a study schedule, try marking specific goals in your calendar. Working towards a deadline can help you stay motivated and on track in your studying. [7] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
Make a note of any terms or concepts you are not familiar with so that you can look them up and do further research. [9] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
Discussing material with others also often helps people retain information and see a topic in new ways. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Online courses offer considerably more flexibility, which can be great if you already have a tight schedule. [12] X Research source The more rigid structure of traditional courses, though, can help some students stay motivated and learn more effectively. [13] X Research source Community colleges often offer courses at a relatively low price and do not require students to study full-time. Many colleges and universities offer online classes, but if you do not need college credit you can take courses online through websites like Coursera. If you are interested in taking a psychology class but do not want to be graded on the material, you can ask the professor if you may audit it—meaning that you sit in on the classes and do the readings but do not have to complete graded assignments. You will not receive college credit for auditing however.
Look into programs that match what you might want to do. For instance, if you want to work with families, you might look into a school that offers courses in social work or family therapy. [14] X Expert Source George Sachs, PsyDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 5 March 2021.
If a department does not have a 101 class, you can call or email one of the department administrators to ask which course the department recommends for introductory-level students.
However, advanced classes often require specific prerequisite courses, so you will have to check with the professor to make sure you are eligible to take any advanced class that interests you. Occasionally, prerequisite courses can be waived.
You can also talk to students who’ve taken several Psychology classes and ask them if there’s any particular course or professor they would recommend.
