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Social Psychology

Scott Plous

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:

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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.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Engaging intro to social psychology

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and engaging introduction to the field of social psychology. Many found the topics covered fascinating and highly relevant to daily life. Students particularly praised the instructor's passion and clarity, making complex ideas accessible. While some felt the course provided a solid foundational overview, a few noted that certain topics could benefit from deeper exploration.
Provides a solid introduction to the field.
"This course is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about social psychology, covering a wide range of core topics."
"As an intro course, it does an excellent job of presenting the key studies and theories without getting bogged down in jargon."
"Provides a solid foundation in key social psychology principles. Perfect if you're new to the subject."
"I felt I got a good grasp of the fundamentals by the end of the course."
Material is fascinating and thought-provoking.
"Every week had new and surprising insights into human behavior. I couldn't wait to watch the next lecture."
"The topics, from obedience to attraction, were genuinely interesting and sparked a lot of personal reflection."
"Found the course material extremely engaging and well-chosen. It definitely made me think differently about people."
"This course covered some truly intriguing research findings that were both entertaining and educational."
Concepts connect well to everyday life.
"I was constantly saying 'Aha!' as I saw the course concepts playing out in my own interactions and the news."
"The material felt immediately relevant. I learned practical things about decision making, persuasion, and group dynamics that I can use."
"It's amazing how much of this social psychology is visible in our daily lives. This course opened my eyes."
"Really enjoyed how the course tied psychological research back to everyday situations and well-being."
Professor Plous is highly praised for lectures.
"Professor Plous is simply brilliant! His passion for the subject is infectious, making every lecture a joy to watch and learn from."
"The instructor's delivery is fantastic – clear, enthusiastic, and truly brings the concepts to life with real-world examples."
"I really enjoyed the professor's style. He made potentially dry material incredibly interesting and easy to grasp."
"The professor is a great lecturer; I appreciate how he explained things step-by-step and shared personal insights."
Some topics feel too briefly covered.
"While broad, I felt some really interesting topics were only touched upon briefly and could have used more detailed lectures."
"It's a good overview, but if you're looking for in-depth exploration of specific areas, this might feel a bit surface-level."
"I wished there was more detail on the research methods discussed; the lectures stayed quite high-level."
"As someone with a bit of background, I found it didn't go into as much depth as I hoped on certain complex theories."

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'
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.
Show steps
  • 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
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.
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • Read each chapter of the book
  • Take notes on the key concepts and persuasion techniques discussed in each chapter
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group for this Course
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.
Show steps
  • Find a few other students who are taking this course
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material
Attend a Workshop on Social Psychology
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.
Show steps
  • 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
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.
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Politician
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
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

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 Social Psychology.
Cover image
Social Psychology, Global Edition
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to social psychology, covering the major topics of the field and including the latest research findings. It is an excellent resource for students taking this course who want to learn more about the subject.
Social Psychology Global Edition
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
An Introduction to Social Psychology
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology, covering a wide range of topics from social cognition to group dynamics.
An Introduction to Social Psychology (BPS Textbooks...
Paperback
$$
An Introduction to Social Psychology (BPS Textbooks...
Paperback
$$$
Introduction to Social Psychology: A European...
Paperback
$$
An Introduction to Social Psychology (BPS Textbooks...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Introduction to Social Psychology
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
States of Belonging
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and prejudice and discrimination, covering a wide range of topics from the causes of prejudice to the effects of discrimination.
States of Belonging: Immigration Policies,...
Paperback
$$
States of Belonging: Immigration Policies,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Interpersonal Communication Book, Global Edition
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and communication, covering a wide range of topics from interpersonal communication to mass communication.
Interpersonal Communication Book, Global Edition
Paperback
$$
The Interpersonal Communication Book, Global Edition
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Self-Determination Theory
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and motivation, covering a wide range of topics from the causes of motivation to the effects of motivation on behavior.
Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological...
Paperback
$$$
Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Personality: Toward an Integrative...
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and personality, covering a wide range of topics from the causes of personality to the effects of personality on behavior.
Introduction to Personality: Toward an Integrative...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
MEMORY ENHANCING TECHNIQUES FOR INVESTIGATIVE...
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and the law, covering a wide range of topics from eyewitness testimony to jury decision-making.
Memory-Enhancing Techniques for Investigative...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Stress and Emotion
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and emotion, covering a wide range of topics from the causes of emotion to the effects of emotion on behavior.
Stress and Emotion: A New Synthesis
Paperback
$$
Stress and Emotion: A New Synthesis
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Social Psychology of Education
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology and education, covering a wide range of topics from student motivation to teacher-student relationships.
The Social Psychology of Education: Current...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Social Cognition
Save
This textbook provides a unique perspective on social psychology, focusing on the ways in which social processes shape our everyday lives.
Social Cognition: From brains to culture
Hardcover
$$$$

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Course image
Effort
6 weeks of study, 4-6 hours/week (plus a mid-course break)
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Wesleyan University
Instructor
Scott Plous
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt tl پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
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