Useful psychology resources

TExTBOOKS and lectures are terrific but sometimes it’s time to shake loose and get a different perspective on things. Luckily the Internet has some fantastic learning resources – and they’re free. If you’ve studied psychology, whether at A-Levels or Masters level, these resources are worth visiting and bookmarking. Paul Bloom’s introduction to psychology http://videolectures.net/yalepsyc110s07_ introduction_to_psychology

Paul Bloom is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology at Yale University. From the moment he opens his mouth you’ll see he’s a super clever bloke but he has a knack for explaining essentials in a way that stick in the mind. This video course covers all the essentials from Freud to the principles of evolutionary psychology. There are also two terrific guest lectures on common mental illnesses by Professor Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, a fellow Yale professor who made her mark studying depression. Each lecture is about an hour, so be prepared to sit back and take notes. Oxford University Psychology Podcasts http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/keywords/psychology Do you have to conduct an experiment or write a long essay on a current topic? Check out these podcasts for ideas.

Alternatively, as these lectures are wideranging get out of the narrow straitjacket of psychology and take a look at what sociology, biology, medicine and experts from other fields have to contribute on hot topics such as anxiety management, risk taking and victim counselling. Bonus: if you’re interested in the relationship between Islam and psychology, this is the place to start your research. —

By EllEn WhytE