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).
Offered By
Social Psychology
Wesleyan UniversityAbout this Course
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Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
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Beginner Level
Approx. 38 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, German, Urdu, Russian, English, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 38 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, German, Urdu, Russian, English, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese
Offered by
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
5 hours to complete
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.
5 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 92 min), 14 readings, 3 quizzes
7 hours to complete
WEEK 2: The Psychology of Self-Presentation and Persuasion
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.
7 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 140 min), 12 readings, 1 quiz
8 hours to complete
WEEK 3: Obedience, Conformity, and Deindividuation
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.
8 hours to complete
10 videos (Total 176 min), 11 readings, 1 quiz
5 hours to complete
WEEK 4: Group Behavior: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
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.
5 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 116 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz
Reviews
- 5 stars85.18%
- 4 stars8.62%
- 3 stars1.69%
- 2 stars1.02%
- 1 star3.46%
TOP REVIEWS FROM SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
by EWMay 20, 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.
by VKMay 18, 2020
This has been the most engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking course I have ever taken on Coursera. Thank you Professor Plous and all of your colleagues who helped make this course possible!
by NMMay 28, 2020
very interesting subjects and very helpful in explaining surrounding most experienced human behaviors, it's easy to reschedule course assignments dues , it was my pleasure to attend this course
by TPAug 21, 2020
Sir Scott Plouse Is A Really Great Man and He Is The Master In This Field. I am Very Glad That I Learned From Him.\n\nI am Looking Forward To Learn Something More From Him.\n\nGreat Teacher!!
Frequently Asked Questions
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