Social Psychology from Coursera

Ever wonder why people do what they do? This course—which includes more than $1,000 of video and reading materials—offers some answers based on the latest research from social psychology. Students taking the course for a Certificate will also receive free membership in Social Psychology Network (SocialPsychology.org).

COURSE DESCRIPTION FROM PROFESSOR PLOUS:

Each of us is dealt a different hand in life, but we all face similar questions when it comes to human behavior: What leads us to like one person and dislike another? How do conflicts and prejudices develop, and how can they be reduced? Can psychological research help protect the environment, and if so, how? This course offers a brief introduction to classic and contemporary social psychology, covering topics such as decision making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors that promote health and well-being.

Our focus will be on surprising, entertaining, and intriguing research findings that are easy to apply in daily life. The course will also draw from the websites of Social Psychology Network, the world's largest online community devoted to social psychology. I hope you'll join me for this course, have fun, and learn some useful information that enriches your life.

What's inside

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Social Perceptions and Misperceptions

This week's goals are to: (1) learn what social psychology is and why it's worth studying; (2) take a "snapshot" of your thinking at the start of the course; (3) see how perceptions of reality are psychologically constructed; and (4) witness the shocking speed at which social judgments are made.

WEEK 2: The Psychology of Self-Presentation and Persuasion

This week's goals are to: (1) learn how people explain their behavior and the behavior of others; (2) explore the link between attitudes and behavior; (3) understand what cognitive dissonance is and why it matters; and (4) gain some practical tips from the science of persuasion and social influence.

WEEK 3: Obedience, Conformity, and Deindividuation

This week's goals are to: (1) understand the psychological dynamics of obedience to authority; (2) review studies on group pressure and conformity; (3) learn about the dark side of deindividuation; and (4) consider ethical issues related to psychology research.

WEEK 4: Group Behavior: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

This week's goals are to: (1) examine behavioral dynamics within and between groups; (2) see what happens when people fall prey to the Abilene Paradox; (3) read about social loafing, groupthink, and group polarization; and (4) learn effective ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination in daily life.

WEEK 5: Mid-Course Break

This week offers a chance to catch up on any course material that you've missed. There are no required videos or readings, but for those of you whose week wouldn't be complete without a little social psychology, please enjoy the optional materials in Week 5!

WEEK 6: Helping, Hurting, and Peacemaking

This week's goals are to: (1) look at the factors that influence whether people will help one another; (2) examine the roots of aggression, violence, and terrorism; (3) learn psychological techniques to promote peace and sustainable living; and (4) carry out a personal experiment in which you spend 24 hours living as compassionately as possible.

WEEK 7: A Happy End to the Course

This week's goals are to: (1) consider whether empathy is a "magic bullet" for addressing social problems; (2) learn what the most important ingredients are for a happy life; (3) find out what researchers have discovered about romantic attraction and close relationships; and (4) hear about additional resources and organizations if you want to continue studying social psychology.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on understanding human behavior, which is a highly relevant topic across most industries

Presents foundational concepts in social psychology, making it ideal for learners with no prior background

Provides practical tips and insights applicable to daily life, enhancing its relevance beyond academia

Incorporates research findings from Social Psychology Network, a reputable organization in the field

Offers a comprehensive overview of social psychology topics, including decision-making, persuasion, and group behavior

Requires active participation through videos and readings, which may not suit all learning styles

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 Social Psychology with these activities:

Complete the Coursera Course on 'Social Psychology'

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This Coursera course provides a comprehensive introduction to social psychology, covering a wide range of topics relevant to this course, such as social perception, prejudice, and group dynamics.

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Enroll in the Coursera course on 'Social Psychology'
Complete all of the course lectures and assignments
Participate in the course discussion forums

Practice Identifying Perception Errors

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Practice identifying perception errors will help you understand the factors that influence how we perceive others and the world around us, a crucial skill in social psychology.

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Find a news article or social media post that describes an event
Identify the different ways in which people might perceive the event differently
Explain how these different perceptions might lead to conflict or misunderstanding

Read 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion' by Robert Cialdini

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of persuasion and will help you understand the persuasion techniques used in marketing, advertising, and everyday life, which is highly relevant to social psychology.

View Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of... on Amazon

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Read each chapter of the book
Take notes on the key concepts and persuasion techniques discussed in each chapter

Five other activities

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Join a Study Group for this Course

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Joining a study group for this course will provide you with opportunities to discuss the course material with other students, ask questions, and get help with difficult concepts.

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Find a few other students who are taking this course
Meet regularly to discuss the course material

Attend a Workshop on Social Psychology

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Attending a workshop on social psychology will provide you with opportunities to learn from experts in the field and network with other people who are interested in social psychology.

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Find a social psychology workshop that is being offered in your area
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities

Volunteer for a Social Psychology Research Study

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Volunteering for a social psychology research study will give you firsthand experience with the research process and help you understand how social psychologists conduct research.

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Find a social psychology research study that is recruiting volunteers
Contact the researchers and express interest in volunteering

Create a Public Service Announcement about Prejudice

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Creating a public service announcement about prejudice will help you understand the causes and consequences of prejudice, as well as ways to reduce it.

Browse courses on Prejudice

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Choose a specific type of prejudice to focus on
Research the causes and consequences of the chosen type of prejudice
Develop a message that will persuade people to reduce prejudice
Create a public service announcement that delivers the message effectively

Write a Research Paper on a Social Psychology Topic

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Writing a research paper on a social psychology topic will help you develop your research and writing skills and deepen your understanding of a specific topic in social psychology.

Browse courses on Social Psychology

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Choose a specific social psychology topic to research
Conduct a literature review on the chosen topic
Develop a research question and hypothesis
Design and conduct a research study
Write a research paper that reports the results of the study

Career center

Learners who complete Social Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sociologist

Sociologists study social behavior, social change, and social institutions. They conduct research and analyze data to understand how societies function. Social psychology is a branch of sociology, and this course can provide a deep grounding in the subject, enhancing a sociologist's research and analysis skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

User Experience Researcher

User experience researchers study how users interact with products and services, with the aim of improving the user experience. Social psychology can provide valuable insights into human behavior, cognition, and motivation, enhancing UX researchers' ability to design products that meet users' needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

Social Worker

Social workers help people navigate and overcome challenges related to mental health, poverty, and other social issues. Social psychology provides a solid understanding of social behavior and dynamics, enabling social workers to better assess and address clients' needs.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They also conduct research to advance the field of psychology. Social psychology, which focuses on the social aspects of human behavior, can complement a psychology career, providing valuable insights into human interactions and relationships.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the reputation of organizations and individuals, building and maintaining relationships with the media and public. Social psychology provides insights into audience behavior, media dynamics, and舆论, which are crucial for success in public relations.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee all aspects of nonprofit organizations, including fundraising, program development, and community outreach. Courses in social psychology can be helpful for gaining skills in managing teams, motivating volunteers, and understanding community dynamics, benefiting those who wish to work in nonprofits.

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Market Researcher

Market researchers study consumer behavior and trends to help businesses develop and market their products and services. Social psychology, which explores how people think, feel, and behave in social situations, can provide market researchers with insights into consumer motivations and preferences.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee all aspects of human resources within an organization, including recruitment, hiring, training, and development. Social psychology provides knowledge of group dynamics, conflict resolution, and motivation, which can be highly valuable for managing people and creating a positive work environment.

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Politician

Politicians formulate policies, manage public affairs, and represent constituents. Social psychology studies group behavior, decision-making, and public opinion. This course can provide a foundation for understanding social and political dynamics.

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Salesperson

Salespeople persuade potential and existing customers to buy their products or services. They also maintain relationships with customers and build connections to generate leads. The current course on social psychology covers principles of persuasion, which can help salespeople improve their communication and negotiation skills for greater success.

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Recruiter

Recruiters screen, interview, and hire candidates for open positions within an organization. The study of social psychology offers valuable insights into candidate motivations, group dynamics, and workplace behavior, providing recruiters with the knowledge needed to make informed hiring decisions.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver lessons to students, assess their progress, and provide feedback. Social psychology can help teachers understand how students learn and how to create a positive and productive learning environment by focusing on group dynamics, social interactions, and motivation in educational settings.

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Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives provide support to customers, resolve issues, and build relationships. Since understanding social interactions is a key focus of social psychology, taking this course may be useful for improving communication and problem-solving skills in a customer service role.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on current events, social issues, and trends. Social psychology can help journalists understand how people form opinions, how groups influence behavior, and how to communicate complex issues effectively.

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Social Media Manager

Social media managers manage online content to engage an audience and promote a company, brand, or individual. Given that social psychology explores social behavior, cognition, and relationships, taking this course may be useful for learning about the motivations and behaviors of social media users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager