Teaching Yourself Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide
"It always seems impossible until it's done." — Nelson Mandela
Psychology is a fascinating field that looks at the mind and behavior. Many people are drawn to learn about psychology through self-study, either before diving into a formal education or as a personal interest. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to teach yourself psychology. This guide provides a structured approach to self-learning, ensuring a rich and engaging experience.
Understanding the Basics of Self-Study
Learning psychology on your own is not an easy feat, but it is definitely achievable. Like any other subject, psychology requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Simply reading books and watching videos can be a great starting point, but ultimately, you need to practice what you learn with the help of others.
Getting Started with Psychology
One of the key aspects of learning psychology is to start with something that interests you. Once you enjoy the process, you won't need external motivation anymore. Here’s a recommended sequence to get you started:
1. Introduction to Brain Games and National Geographic
BEGIN WITH SOMETHING ENTERTAINING AND INTERESTING.
In the early stages of your journey, you can explore a variety of resources such as brain games and documentaries produced by National Geographic. These can give you a taste of psychology in a fun way.
2. Basics and Crash Courses
GO FOR SOME BASICS OR A CRASH COURSE.
Once you have a taste of what psychology is about, the next step is to dive into a more structured course. There are numerous online and offline courses that can help you build a solid foundation in psychology.
Top Recommended Online Courses:
Prof. Braj Bhushan, IIT Kanpur - Humanities - Human Adjustment ProcessesMIT 9.00SC Introduction to Psychology - Fall 2011
Introduction to Psychology with Paul Bloom
3. Real-World Application
PSYC 200: Introduction to Psychology - Fall 2013
THE NEXT STEP IS TO APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN IN REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS.
Once you have a basic understanding, you can apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical application is crucial to truly grasping the concepts of psychology.
Key Textbooks and Books for Further Study
FOR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING, CONSIDER READING THE FOLLOWING TEXTS:
These books provide a comprehensive view of various aspects of psychology and are essential reading for any self-learner.
William Glasser - Choice Theory
Sigmund Freud - The Interpretation of Dreams
The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud Melanie Klein - Love, Guilt and Reparation
David Eagleman - Your Brain: The Story of You
John Ratey - Shadow Syndromes
Conclusion
IN SUMMARY, TEACHING YOURSELF PSYCHOLOGY REQUIRES A STRUCTURED APPROACH.
Starting with entertaining and interesting resources, moving on to basics and crash courses, and finally applying your knowledge in real-world scenarios can help you develop a profound understanding of the subject. By reading key texts and engaging with fellow enthusiasts, you can deepen your knowledge and love for psychology.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging Content: Start with entertaining and interesting resources. Structured Learning: Follow a structured sequence to build a solid foundation. Application: Apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios. Key Texts: Read important books and texts for deeper understanding."It always seems impossible until it's done." Apply this mindset to your self-study journey and embrace the challenges of learning psychology on your own.