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).
Social Psychology
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(5,023 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 37 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
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Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 7 modules in this course
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.
What's included
9 videos14 readings3 assignments
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.
What's included
9 videos12 readings1 peer review
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.
What's included
10 videos11 readings1 peer review
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.
What's included
7 videos8 readings1 peer review
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!
What's included
2 videos4 readings
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.
What's included
7 videos13 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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.
What's included
7 videos7 readings1 assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (1,945 ratings)
Offered by
Explore more from Psychology
National Taiwan University
University of Toronto
American Psychological Association
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Learner reviews
4.7
5,023 reviews
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85.45%
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1.65%
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Showing 3 of 5023
SM
5
Reviewed on Mar 13, 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.
DN
5
Reviewed on Mar 30, 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.
RC
5
Reviewed on Aug 18, 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.
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Frequently asked questions
No preparation is needed, but you're welcome to begin receiving Social Psychology Network news items and announcements from any of these sources if you use Twitter, Facebook, or RSS feeds:
PSYCHOLOGY HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (Twitter):
http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-headlines
UNDERSTAND PREJUDICE: SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS (Twitter):
http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-prejudice
CLIMATE PSYCHOLOGY (Twitter):
http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-climate
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY NETWORK (Facebook):
http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/facebook
PSYCHOLOGY NEWS SERVICE (RSS Feed):
http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/rss
These resources are free to everyone (whether you enroll for a Certificate or not) and will connect you with the latest news, studies, and other developments in social psychology and related fields.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
More questions
Financial aid available,