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Introduction to Psychology

4.9 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 30,261 ratings
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Paul Bloom

What are people most afraid of? What do our dreams mean? Are we natural-born racists? What makes us happy? What are the causes and cures of mental illness? This course tries to answer these questions and many others, providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behavior. It explores topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior. We will look at how these aspects of the mind develop in children, how they differ across people, how they are wired-up in the brain, and how they break down due to illness and injury.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Introduction to Psychology
Meet Paul Bloom, your instructor.
Foundations
In this module, you will learn about foundational psychological theories and findings in psychology. We will start with the discovery that our mental lives have a physical basis, introducing the field of neuroscience. And then we will turn to two major psychological theories that have come to shape the world that we now live in—Freud’s psychodynamic theory and Skinner’s theory of behaviorism.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches foundational knowledge that all students of psychology should know
Explores diverse perspectives within psychology, from Freud's psychodynamic theory to Skinner's behaviorism
Covers a wide range of topics, including perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior
Examines how psychological processes develop in children and how they differ across people
Investigates the relationship between language and thought, as well as how language is learned
Provides an overview of cognitive psychology, including perception, attention, and memory
Explores emotions and social behavior, and how people interact as groups
Examines individual differences in personality and intelligence
Reviews prominent mental illnesses and therapies, providing a foundation for understanding clinical psychology
Investigates the factors that contribute to happiness and a fulfilling life

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Engaging introduction to psychology

According to learners, this course offers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to psychology, making complex topics accessible. Students consistently praise Professor Paul Bloom's captivating and clear lecturing style, which makes the material fascinating and thought-provoking. It is widely considered an excellent foundation for beginners and lifelong learners, covering a broad range of psychological theories and concepts from neuroscience to social behavior. While some advanced learners noted that certain topics might lack in-depth coverage, the overall consensus is that it provides a solid and highly recommended starting point for understanding the human mind.
Quizzes generally reinforce material, though some found them superficial.
"Quizzes reinforced the material well."
"The assessments felt a bit superficial, just testing recall."
"I needed more hands-on examples or case studies to make it click."
Excellent overview but may lack depth for advanced learners.
"While a good overview, as someone with prior psychology knowledge, I found some parts quite basic."
"Sometimes I felt a few topics were a bit rushed, and I wished there were more in-depth readings suggested..."
"I was hoping for more clinical psychology depth. Still, for a true beginner, it's probably perfect."
The course is logically organized and easy to follow.
"The modules are well-structured, making complex ideas easy to digest."
"The concepts build logically. I felt prepared to explore further."
"The pacing is great, allowing you to absorb the material effectively."
Topics are fascinating and inspire further exploration.
"I found myself thinking about the concepts long after the lectures. The content felt relevant..."
"He makes every topic from Freud to happiness genuinely fascinating. This course is a fantastic starting point..."
"The course content is incredibly rich and well-presented. I especially enjoyed the modules on cognition and development."
Provides a comprehensive overview suitable for beginners.
"This course provides a fantastic foundation for anyone curious about the human mind."
"Overall a very solid introduction. The breadth of topics covered is impressive..."
"As someone completely new to psychology, this course was a perfect entry point."
"It gave me a solid understanding of the main branches and key concepts without overwhelming me."
Paul Bloom's engaging and clear teaching style is a major highlight.
"Professor Bloom is incredible. His lectures are engaging, clear, and truly thought-provoking."
"Paul Bloom is a master educator. He makes psychology accessible and interesting."
"Truly brilliant. Paul Bloom's delivery is captivating. He makes every topic... genuinely fascinating."
"I found his explanations exceptionally clear and engaging, making complex ideas understandable."

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 Psychology with these activities:
Watch a documentary on the history of psychology
Gain a deeper understanding of the origins and development of psychology as a field of study.
Browse courses on History of Psychology
Show steps
  • Choose a documentary that covers the history of psychology.
  • Watch the documentary.
  • Take notes on the key ideas and concepts discussed in the documentary.
Take the cognitive assessment
Practice the skills that are essential to the study of psychology and prepare for success in this course.
Browse courses on Cognitive Skills
Show steps
  • Read the instructions carefully.
  • Answer all of the questions to the best of your ability.
  • Check your work carefully.
Review chapters from your high school psychology textbook
Reviewing basic psychological concepts will help you refresh your memory and make it easier to understand the more complex topics covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Choose a few chapters from your high school psychology textbook that cover topics you're interested in or that you struggled with.
  • Read through the chapters carefully, taking notes on the key concepts.
  • Test your understanding by answering the questions at the end of each chapter.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Do practice problems on statistical analysis
Develop your ability to analyze data, a crucial skill for understanding psychological research.
Browse courses on Statistical Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice problems on statistical analysis.
  • Work through the problems, checking your answers as you go.
  • Review the solutions to the problems.
  • Identify any areas where you need additional practice.
Take practice quizzes on psychological theories
Taking practice quizzes will help you test your understanding of the key psychological theories covered in this course and identify areas where you need more practice.
Browse courses on Cognitive Psychology
Show steps
  • Find some practice quizzes on psychological theories online or in your textbook.
  • Take the quizzes and review your answers.
  • Identify the areas where you need more practice and focus on those topics in your studies.
Create a mind map of the different topics covered in this course
Creating a mind map will help you visualize the different topics covered in this course and how they are connected to each other.
Show steps
  • Start by writing down the main topic of the course in the center of a piece of paper.
  • Then, draw branches off of the main topic and write down the different subtopics covered in the course.
  • Continue branching out until you have a complete map of all the topics covered in the course.
Attend a guest lecture on a specialized topic in psychology
Gain exposure to cutting-edge research and perspectives in psychology.
Show steps
  • Find a guest lecture on a topic that interests you.
  • Attend the lecture.
  • Take notes on the key ideas and concepts discussed in the lecture.
Join a study group with other students in this course
Joining a study group will help you stay motivated and on track with your studies.
Show steps
  • Find other students in this course who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Quiz each other on the material.
  • Work together on assignments.
Write a blog post about a psychological phenomenon
Demonstrate your understanding of psychological concepts by explaining them to a broader audience.
Show steps
  • Choose a psychological phenomenon that you want to write about.
  • Research the phenomenon.
  • Write a blog post that explains the phenomenon in a clear and engaging way.
  • Share your blog post with others.
Attend a workshop on a topic related to this course
Attending a workshop will help you learn more about a specific topic related to this course and gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is related to this course.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Design a research study
Apply your knowledge of psychological research methods to design a study that investigates a psychological phenomenon.
Browse courses on Research Design
Show steps
  • Choose a research question.
  • Develop a hypothesis.
  • Design a research method.
  • Collect data.
  • Analyze the data.
  • Write up your results.
Read 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman
This book provides a fascinating look at the two systems of thinking that our brains use and how they can be applied to our everyday lives.
View Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'.
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes on the key concepts.
  • Discuss the book with a friend or classmate.
Create a presentation on a psychological disorder of your choice
Creating a presentation will help you learn more about a specific psychological disorder and how it affects people.
Show steps
  • Choose a psychological disorder that you're interested in.
  • Research the disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
  • Create a presentation that includes an overview of the disorder, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
  • Present your presentation to your classmates.
Volunteer at a mental health organization
Volunteering at a mental health organization will give you hands-on experience working with people who have mental illness.
Show steps
  • Find a mental health organization that you're interested in volunteering at.
  • Apply to volunteer.
  • Complete the necessary training.
  • Start volunteering.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Psychologist
Research Psychologists conduct research on a variety of psychological topics. This course may be useful as it covers foundational theories and topics in psychological research. This knowledge of research methods and theories will be invaluable to success as a Research Psychologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Social Psychologists study the social behavior and processes. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as social behavior, the self, and others. This provides foundational knowledge in social psychology, which is essential in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologists research the mental processes that underlie human cognition. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making. This knowledge will be invaluable to you in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior. This course may be useful as it covers foundational theories and topics in psychological research including the physical basis of mental life. This will provide a solid basis of knowledge of the brain and behavior, helping in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist
Personality Psychologist
Personality Psychologists study the personality and individual differences. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as variation, the self, and others. This will help build a foundation in personality psychology, which is central to this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Personality Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Sports Psychologists apply psychological principles to sports and athletic performance. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as motivation, emotions, and stress. This knowledge may be applied to help athletes enhance their performance and mental well-being.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists apply psychological principles to criminal investigations and legal proceedings. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as perception, communication, and decision-making. This knowledge will help you use psychology to better understand criminal behavior and legal processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as motivation, leadership, and communication. This will help build a foundation of knowledge in workplace psychology, enabling better performance in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
School Psychologist
School Psychologists provide mental health services to students in schools. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as development, learning, and behavior. This knowledge may be applied to help school-aged children with their academic, social, and emotional development.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologists utilize psychological principles to improve educational practices and student outcomes. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as cognition, learning, and memory. This knowledge may be applied to help build a solid base of fundamentals needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist
Health Psychologist
Health Psychologists apply psychological principles to health and illness. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as emotions, stress, and coping. This knowledge will help you to better understand the psychological factors that influence health and illness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Psychologist
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists study human development across the lifespan. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as development and language. This knowledge will provide a solid basis for work as a Developmental Psychologist, as it will equip you with knowledge of the different stages of human development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Psychologist
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful as it covers topics such as communication, persuasion, and the self. Understanding psychology will help you to write more effectively and persuasively, regardless of the context.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Teacher
Teachers provide instruction to students in a variety of subjects. This course may be useful as it covers foundational psychological theories and topics in areas such as learning, memory, and development. This knowledge may be applied in teaching to help students learn more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists are those who provide mental health treatment to those who need their help. This course may be useful as it covers the causes and cures of mental illness. This knowledge can be applied in a career as a Clinical Psychologist as it will help build a foundation of understanding mental illnesses and their relevant treatments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Psychology .
Cover image
Noise
Save
Explores the two systems of thinking that our brains use: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and rational.
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Paperback
$$
(Español) Ruido: Un fallo en el juicio humano / Noise: A Flaw...
Hardcover
$$
(Français) Noise: Pourquoi nous faisons des erreurs de...
Kindle Edition
$$
By Daniel Kahneman Best Seller 2 Boks collection...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Noise (German edition): Was unsere Entscheidungen...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
Misbelief
Save
Examines the irrational decisions that people make, and why we make them.
Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
The Happiness Hypothesis
Save
Explores the nature of happiness and how we can achieve it.
The Happiness Hypothesis
Paperback
Check
The Happiness Hypothesis
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Anxious Generation
Save
Explores the nature of morality and how it shapes our political beliefs.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of...
Hardcover
$$
Jonathan Haidt Collection 4 Books Set (The Anxious...
Paperback
$$$
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3
Save
Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from our origins as hunter-gatherers to the present day.
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Paperback
$$
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mistakes Were Made (but Not By Me) Third Edition
Save
Explores the nature of human social behavior, from our interactions with friends and family to our behavior in groups.
Mistakes Were Made (but Not By Me) Third Edition:...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Explores the nature of habits and how we can change them.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
Charles Duhigg 3 Books Collection Set...
Paperback
$$$
(Deutsch) Supercommunicators: Wie man die geheime Sprache...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Español) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Cómo...
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Português) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Como...
Audible Audiobook
$
Cover image
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club)
Save
Explores the nature of introversion and how introverts can thrive in a world that is often extroverted.
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
Paperback
$$
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
Kindle Edition
$
So You've Been Publicly Shamed
Save
Explores the nature of psychopathy and how psychopaths are diagnosed.
So You've Been Publicly Shamed
Paperback
Check
So You've Been Publicly Shamed
Kindle Edition
Check
Selected Letters
Save
Collection of case studies of people with neurological disorders.
Selected Letters
Paperback
Check
Selected Letters
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Beginning of Infinity
Save
Explores the nature of reality and how our minds create it.
The Beginning of Infinity
Paperback
Check
The Beginning of Infinity
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Metamagical Themas
Save
Explores the nature of self and consciousness.
Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of...
Paperback
$$
Metamagical Themas: Questing For The Essence Of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Surfaces and Essences
Save
Collection of essays on the nature of the mind.
Surfaces and Essences
Paperback
Check
Surfaces and Essences
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Surfaces and Essences
Save
Collection of essays on the nature of the self.
Surfaces and Essences
Paperback
Check
Surfaces and Essences
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.9 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
Approx. 14 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Yale University
Instructor
Paul Bloom
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 Română Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches foundational knowledge that all students of psychology should know
Explores diverse perspectives within psychology, from Freud's psychodynamic theory to Skinner's behaviorism
Covers a wide range of topics, including perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior
Examines how psychological processes develop in children and how they differ across people
Investigates the relationship between language and thought, as well as how language is learned
Provides an overview of cognitive psychology, including perception, attention, and memory
Explores emotions and social behavior, and how people interact as groups
Examines individual differences in personality and intelligence
Reviews prominent mental illnesses and therapies, providing a foundation for understanding clinical psychology
Investigates the factors that contribute to happiness and a fulfilling life
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