Psychology 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the world of psychology, but this time we’re catering to the rookies out there. Imagine that feeling when you suddenly get intrigued by psychology, and you can’t quite put your finger on why, but it’s pulling you in? You’ve even got dreams of becoming a counselor, maybe even snagging some official qualifications along the way. So, you pump yourself up, you’re like, “Yeah, I’m gonna study!” But then, bam, reality hits, and you’re left wondering, “Where on earth do I even begin?”

Maybe you’ve toyed with the idea of transferring to a university or heading off to grad school, but when you peek into those test prep books and reference materials, you’re like, “Whoa, do I really have to cram all this stuff into my brain?” It’s like your brain’s got indigestion or something.

Well, here’s a little nugget of wisdom for you when you’re tackling a subject comprehensively: start from the big picture and work your way down to the nitty-gritty.

Sure, studying those psychology terms from exam preparation books can be pretty fascinating. But let’s say you’re eyeing that university transfer or grad school admission a year from now. What’s essential? How far do you need to progress in the next year? If you just study aimlessly, you won’t have a clue where you’re headed in the grand scheme of things, and that can be a real downer.

The lack of a big-picture view can suck the motivation right out of you. It’s not uncommon at all when you’re venturing into new territory.

So, in a nutshell, I’d suggest you to start by looking at the “map” first before moving on to the particular “landmarks”. I promise, it makes a world of difference if you can imagine how all those pieces fit together to create your own mental map. And that’s where your motivation takes root.

Alright, let’s get down to business. If you want to get a rough and ready grip on psychology, here are top 6 books I recommend:

“Psychology” by Saundra K. Ciccarelli and J. Noland White

This comprehensive introductory textbook offers a clear and engaging overview of psychology, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

While not a traditional psychology textbook, this book by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman delves into the two systems that drive the way we think, offering valuable insights into human behavior and decision-making.
“The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry” by Jon Ronson

Jon Ronson’s investigative journey into the world of psychopathy is both entertaining and enlightening, providing an accessible introduction to abnormal psychology.
“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini

For those interested in social psychology and the art of persuasion, Cialdini’s book explores the principles that drive human influence and how they can be applied in various contexts.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

This classic work by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, combines psychology and philosophy to explore the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the face of suffering.
“Psych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More!” by Paul Kleinman

This book breaks down psychology into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. It covers various psychological topics, making it perfect for beginners looking for a quick overview.

These books offer a diverse and engaging introduction to psychology, covering various aspects of the field from cognitive psychology to social psychology and even the exploration of human behavior in unique contexts.

(If you’ve got any other cool recommendations, feel free to share!)

Note: You definitely don’t need to read all these books cover to cover, so don’t stress. If there are parts you don’t get, it’s okay to skip them.The goal here is to get a grasp of the big picture.

Once you’ve wrapped your head around the big picture, it’s time to zoom in on the finer details. Start memorizing those individual psychology terms, but remember, don’t just cram them in your brain; make sure you understand them. It might be worth creating your very own original notes. For example, jot down terms like “Autism Spectrum Disorder”, “Archetypes”, “Baum Test”, and whatever else you encounter while studying. If possible, use reference books published by major prep schools while you’re at it.

And when you’ve got a good handle on those crucial psychology terms it’s time to flip the script again — Shift your focus from the details to the big picture. For example, if you’re delving into “Clinical Psychology” as a whole, things like assessment, interviews, community support, and research will all connect in a constellation. If you’re diving into “Clinical Psychological Assessment,” you’ll see interview techniques, observational methods and psychological testing all coming together. That is how, you’ll have a deep understanding of the subject.

To sum it up, remember to go from the “big picture” to the “details” when you’re starting out, and when you’re more advanced, flip it and go from the “details” to the “big picture”. That’s the secret sauce to mastering any subject, and psychology in particular. Now, go out there and explore the fascinating world of the human mind!