We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Blake McKimmie
and
Roy Baumeister
We often have firmly held beliefs about why people think and behave the way they do. Sometimes our intuitions are correct, but often they are not.
Social psychology helps us understand how people think about themselves and other people and what motivates their behaviour in social settings.
Read more
We often have firmly held beliefs about why people think and behave the way they do. Sometimes our intuitions are correct, but often they are not.
Social psychology helps us understand how people think about themselves and other people and what motivates their behaviour in social settings.
Read more
We often have firmly held beliefs about why people think and behave the way they do. Sometimes our intuitions are correct, but often they are not.
Social psychology helps us understand how people think about themselves and other people and what motivates their behaviour in social settings.
This course explores a range of topics in social psychology, from how we think about ourselves, how we think about others, and how we interact and communicate with others. We will also discuss the ways that we can influence others and be influenced by others. Finally, we look at some problematic aspects of human behaviour, such as prejudice and aggression.
You should take this course if you are curious about why we behave the way we do.
What you'll learn
- How we influence each other
- Why we sometimes hurt other people
- How we think about ourselves and others
- How we communicate non-verbally
- Why people behave pro-socially
- Where prejudice and stereotypes come from
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/4z0a4r/introduction
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How we influence each other
- Why we sometimes hurt other people
- How we think about ourselves and others
- How we communicate non-verbally
- Why people behave pro-socially
- Where prejudice and stereotypes come from
- How we influence each other
- Why we sometimes hurt other people
- How we think about ourselves and others
- How we communicate non-verbally
- Why people behave pro-socially
- Where prejudice and stereotypes come from
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by experts in the field, Blake McKimmie and Roy Baumeister, whose work in social psychology is well-recognized
Provides a comprehensive study of social psychology, covering both a wide range of topics and multiple perspectives
Explores practical applications of social psychology, allowing learners to understand how it affects their daily lives and interactions
Includes discussions and activities that facilitate deeper understanding and engagement with course material
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Engaging introduction to social psychology
According to learners, this course offers a highly engaging and clear introduction to social psychology. Students found the lectures to be particularly effective, making complex concepts accessible and interesting. While it provides a solid foundational understanding suitable for beginners, some reviewers noted it remains at an introductory level and may not satisfy those seeking deep, advanced knowledge. Overall, it is frequently praised for its relevance to everyday life and for sparking further interest in the field.
Course flow is logical and easy.
"The course is very well structured and the modules follow a logical progression."
"Pacing feels just right for an introductory course."
"Liked how the topics built upon each other week after week."
Concepts connect to daily experiences.
"The concepts discussed are highly relevant to understanding everyday interactions and human behavior."
"Found myself applying what I learned to real-life situations immediately."
"Very useful insights into why people behave the way they do, both individually and in groups."
Provides a strong start in the subject.
"This course is perfect for someone just starting out in the field of social psychology."
"Provides a great foundation in social psychology concepts and theories."
"I feel I have a good grasp of the basics after completing this introduction."
Lectures are well-explained and interesting.
"The lecturer is amazing and the topics are presented in a very clear and understandable way."
"Found the video lectures very interesting and engaging, kept my attention throughout."
"Everything is explained clearly and concisely, making it easy to grasp even complex ideas."
Stays at a beginner's level.
"While a good intro, it lacks depth for anyone with prior psych knowledge or seeking advanced study."
"It's a broad overview but doesn't dive deep into any single topic area."
"If you already know the basics, this might feel a bit too simple."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Social Psychology with these
activities:
Join a study group or discussion forum to engage with classmates
Show steps
Facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and diverse perspectives.
Show steps
-
Join an existing study group or create your own.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and prepare for assessments.
-
Participate actively in discussions, asking questions and sharing ideas.
Explore online tutorials and resources to supplement course material
Show steps
Provides additional learning opportunities and expands knowledge beyond the course scope.
Show steps
-
Identify areas where you need additional support or want to explore further.
-
Search for online tutorials, videos, or articles that cover these topics.
-
Review the material and take notes or complete practice exercises.
Read 'Social Psychology' by Roy F. Baumeister and Brad J. Bushman
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology, covering key theories and concepts.
Show steps
-
Read the book chapters in order, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
-
Participate in online discussions or forums to share insights and ask questions.
-
Write a short summary or review of each chapter to reinforce understanding.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice identifying and analyzing social psychological phenomena in everyday life
Show steps
Develops observational skills and enhances understanding of social psychology concepts.
Show steps
-
Observe and record instances of social psychology phenomena in daily interactions.
-
Analyze the observed phenomena using course concepts and theories.
-
Share observations and analysis with classmates or the instructor.
Create infographics or videos to explain social psychology concepts
Show steps
Enhances understanding and communication skills by distilling complex concepts into visual or multimedia formats.
Show steps
-
Choose a social psychology concept to focus on.
-
Gather information and research on the concept.
-
Design and create an infographic or video that clearly explains the concept.
-
Share the infographic or video with others.
Become a mentor to students in introductory social psychology courses
Show steps
Reinforces knowledge and provides opportunities for leadership and helping others.
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor students, such as through tutoring programs or online forums.
-
Share your knowledge and experience with students, answering questions and providing guidance.
-
Reflect on your own understanding of social psychology concepts as you teach others.
Join a study group or discussion forum to engage with classmates
Show steps
Facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and diverse perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join an existing study group or create your own.
- Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and prepare for assessments.
- Participate actively in discussions, asking questions and sharing ideas.
Explore online tutorials and resources to supplement course material
Show steps
Provides additional learning opportunities and expands knowledge beyond the course scope.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify areas where you need additional support or want to explore further.
- Search for online tutorials, videos, or articles that cover these topics.
- Review the material and take notes or complete practice exercises.
Read 'Social Psychology' by Roy F. Baumeister and Brad J. Bushman
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology, covering key theories and concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book chapters in order, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
- Participate in online discussions or forums to share insights and ask questions.
- Write a short summary or review of each chapter to reinforce understanding.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice identifying and analyzing social psychological phenomena in everyday life
Show steps
Develops observational skills and enhances understanding of social psychology concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Observe and record instances of social psychology phenomena in daily interactions.
- Analyze the observed phenomena using course concepts and theories.
- Share observations and analysis with classmates or the instructor.
Create infographics or videos to explain social psychology concepts
Show steps
Enhances understanding and communication skills by distilling complex concepts into visual or multimedia formats.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a social psychology concept to focus on.
- Gather information and research on the concept.
- Design and create an infographic or video that clearly explains the concept.
- Share the infographic or video with others.
Become a mentor to students in introductory social psychology courses
Show steps
Reinforces knowledge and provides opportunities for leadership and helping others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor students, such as through tutoring programs or online forums.
- Share your knowledge and experience with students, answering questions and providing guidance.
- Reflect on your own understanding of social psychology concepts as you teach others.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Social Psychology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Business Partner
Human Resources Business Partner
Human Resources Business Partners consult on and develop human capital management strategies that align with business objectives, including hiring talent, fostering employee growth, and navigating labor laws. The knowledge gained from this course, such as human behavior and psychology, can be applied to effectively manage employees and implement policies that enhance the workplace environment. Understanding how people think and behave can aid in conflict resolution, performance management, and fostering a positive work culture.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help individuals, families, groups, and communities address social problems such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. This course provides valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, enabling Social Workers to better understand and assist their clients. The course's exploration of interpersonal relationships, communication, and social influence can also equip Social Workers with skills to effectively connect with clients and facilitate change.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies to promote products or services. This course offers a foundation in social psychology, providing Marketing Managers with a deeper understanding of consumer behavior. By understanding how people think and make decisions, Marketing Managers can create more effective campaigns that resonate with target audiences and influence purchasing decisions.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researchers conduct research and gather user feedback to improve the usability and satisfaction of products or services. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and psychology, enabling User Experience Researchers to delve into users' thoughts and behaviors. The course's focus on social interaction and communication can also aid in understanding how users interact with technology.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue targets. This course provides valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, helping Sales Managers understand their customers' needs and motivations. By leveraging this knowledge, Sales Managers can develop effective sales strategies, build rapport with clients, and negotiate successful deals.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers craft and implement strategies to maintain a positive public image for organizations. This course offers a strong foundation in social psychology, providing Public Relations Managers with an understanding of how people perceive and react to information. By understanding public sentiment and舆论, Public Relations Managers can effectively shape messages and build relationships with stakeholders.
Event Planner
Event Planner
Event Planners organize and coordinate events such as conferences, parties, and weddings. This course provides valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, enabling Event Planners to understand and cater to the needs of attendees. The course's exploration of social dynamics and communication can also assist in creating events that foster meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers build and maintain relationships with customers to ensure satisfaction and retention. This course provides valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, enabling Customer Success Managers to understand their customers' motivations and pain points. By leveraging this knowledge, Customer Success Managers can develop strategies to foster customer loyalty and drive business growth.
Recruiter
Recruiter
Recruiters find and attract qualified candidates for job openings. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and psychology, enabling Recruiters to effectively assess candidates' skills and cultural fit. By understanding how people present themselves and their motivations, Recruiters can make informed hiring decisions that benefit both candidates and organizations.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers lead the development and launch of new products or services. This course offers valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, providing Product Managers with an understanding of user needs and preferences. By leveraging this knowledge, Product Managers can make informed decisions about product design, features, and marketing to ensure successful product adoption and customer satisfaction.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and solve business problems by analyzing data and developing solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in social psychology, enabling Business Analysts to understand stakeholder needs and behaviors. By leveraging this knowledge, Business Analysts can effectively gather requirements, conduct stakeholder interviews, and present recommendations that drive business value.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers design and deliver training programs to improve employee skills and knowledge. This course offers valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, providing Training and Development Managers with an understanding of how people learn and develop. By leveraging this knowledge, Training and Development Managers can create effective learning experiences that maximize employee growth and organizational performance.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations solve problems and improve performance. This course provides a solid foundation in social psychology, enabling Management Consultants to understand organizational culture, dynamics, and stakeholder relationships. By leveraging this knowledge, Management Consultants can effectively diagnose problems, develop solutions, and implement change that drives business success.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course offers valuable insights into human behavior and psychology, providing Policy Analysts with an understanding of how people interact with and are affected by public policies. By leveraging this knowledge, Policy Analysts can develop effective policies that address social issues and improve the well-being of communities.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful for Journalists, as it provides insights into human behavior and psychology. Understanding how people think and why they act the way they do can help Journalists craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4z0a4r/introduction
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Social Psychology.
Classic in the field of social psychology. It provides a detailed overview of the principles of persuasion. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to influence others.
This engaging and accessible book explores the social nature of humans, covering topics such as social identity, aggression, and prejudice. It great read for anyone who wants to understand how social factors influence our thoughts and behaviors.
Save
This classic text introduces students to the field of social psychology by exploring how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of social psychology, covering a wide range of topics from social cognition to social influence to prosocial behavior. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field.
Save
Explores the two systems of thinking that the human brain uses. It provides insights into how we make decisions, solve problems, and form judgments. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the cognitive processes that underlie social behavior.
Explores the irrational ways that we often make decisions. It provides insights into how our emotions, biases, and social influences can lead us to make poor choices. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the psychological factors that influence our behavior.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, from social cognition to social influence. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field of social psychology.
This journal publishes original research on the topics of social psychology and personality science. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in these fields.
Save
This journal publishes original research on the topics of personality and social psychology. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in these fields.
This journal publishes original research on the topics of personality and social psychology. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research in these fields.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4z0a4r/introduction
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.8
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
The University of Queensland
Instructors
Blake McKimmie
Roy Baumeister
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Introduction to Developmental, Social & Clinical Psychology. It's comprised of four courses:
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology
- Introduction to Social Psychology (viewing)
- Introduction to Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser