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Wesleyan University

Social Psychology

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.

Status: Social Justice
Status: Diversity Awareness
BeginnerCourse38 hours

Featured reviews

DN

5.0Reviewed Mar 31, 2021

I believe that every student needs to take this course regardless of the student's major. I thank God that I took the course. I am grateful for the financial aid that enabled me to take the course.

EG

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2021

The course is great. There are plenty of study materials provided and the lecturer is very good. Items studied in this course are immensely helpful in understanding group thinking and group behavior.

EE

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2020

Absolutely loved this course - great material and learning resources. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in an intro course to social psychology. Professor Plous is a fantastic teacher.

PB

5.0Reviewed Jun 22, 2020

Probably one of the best course I have taken! Made me think and question - myself and things around me. Recommended no matter what your background - there is something useful that you'll take away!

RC

5.0Reviewed Aug 19, 2019

I loved this course. It covered all the topics I was interested in and was thoroughly engaging and well-organised. Professor Plous is a great teacher and has designed a wonderful course in this MOOC.

VR

5.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2020

Excellent Course. I hope to use the learning in my real life and continue reading more about Social Psychology. Thanks to Coursera and Scott Plous , Wesleyan University for bringing the course.

AN

5.0Reviewed Sep 27, 2020

Such a wonderful course, enlightening, compelling and fun! Professor Plous is an amazing source of education and kindness throughout the 7 weeks. Thank you soon much for this learning opportunity.

TW

5.0Reviewed Aug 27, 2020

I absolutely enjoyed partaking in this course. It was a lot more difficult than expected but I enjoyed the challenge and learned a lot over that last 2 months. Definitely would recommend it.

AB

5.0Reviewed Oct 9, 2020

This was such an educational and fun course. I learnt so much about the mind and how it works with regards to people and situations. Thank you so much. This course changed my life for the better

SM

5.0Reviewed Mar 14, 2021

A fundamentally important course that teaches about humans as social beings and how a myriad of factors affect those social relationships. Scott Plous is an excellent Social Psychology Instructor.

JM

5.0Reviewed Aug 16, 2020

Professor Plous made me understand the lessons because he explained well all the lessons, and he provided enough information about the Social Psychology. More power to Coursera and Professor Plous :)

SU

5.0Reviewed Jun 11, 2020

I found this course to be exceptionally informative on social psychology and I would also recommend others to take this course. My sincere thanks to professor Scott Plous and Wesleyan University

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