Social Psychology 101: How to Understand People and Social Situations

by C. Nathan DeWall

Why do we connect with some people and not others? What makes great teams flourish? How does culture shape our attitudes? How does influence work? Join the co-author of the world’s bestselling psychology textbooks to find out how small changes to your social environment can produce big changes in how you approach daily life and major decisions. Most people rush to the power of personality when explaining how we think, feel, and act. While personality certainly plays a role in our behavior, the power of the social situation to influence our actions cannot be underestimated. As it explores the fascinating field of social psychology, this eye-opening audio course busts common myths about human psychology and behavior. Your instructor is University of Kentucky psychology professor Nathan DeWall, co-author of the world’s bestselling psychology textbook. Described by Iowa State University Distinguished Professor of Psychology Craig A. Anderson as “one of the most influential psychological science leaders of his generation,” DeWall’s lectures reveal that he is as passionate about his subject as he is knowledgeable. In 24 absorbing lectures, you’ll discover many of the different cognitive, motivational, and emotional factors that underlie social behavior. Along the way, you’ll come to appreciate―and evaluate critically―research in the behavioral sciences, applying what you learn from social psychology research to events in the real world. At the end of this course, you will have clearer self-awareness, better tools to foster friendships and romantic relationships, and a more compassionate heart to become a better global citizen.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

300 pages, Audiobook

Published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Nasim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very American way of viewing the world, not that it's a bad thing, but not entirely accurate either. Also, some very cringe-worthy statements that are simply untrue about animal behaviour... Understandably, this is a book on a wide-ranging area and simply cannot go through everything thoroughly, but I expected a PhD writer to be more informed about the behavioral aspects. All in all, a good book to start you off on some very interesting subjects, but I would take some of the things stated with a grain of salt and to find out more in-depth how the conclusions have be made.

[Erik Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

learned a little but not much. I did learn the concept of "alcohol myopia," which refers to the tendency for individuals under the influence of alcohol to focus on immediate, proximal cues and ignore long-term consequences or less salient information. This can lead to behaviors that don't align with a person's usual identity or values.... feeling like they weren't themselves while drinking aligns with this phenomenon, suggesting that alcohol can impair self-awareness.

But there are better intro books - I recommend Mark Alfano or Valerie Tiberius.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Social Psychology 101 is a surprisingly fun and eye-opening intro to why people act the way they do. C. Nathan DeWall breaks down big ideas—like persuasion, conformity, attraction, and group behavior—into stories and examples that actually make sense in real life. It feels more like having a smart friend explain human behavior over coffee. It doesn’t dive super deep into every topic, but as a starter guide to understanding what drives people (including ourselves), it’s clear, approachable, and genuinely interesting.

[Jeff D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dowsing for Racism. Promotes IAT (Implicit Bias) and Critical Race Theory. Doesn’t mention that Implicit bias testing doesn’t actually work and isn’t scientifically valid or predictive. Presented from a very American perception that is deeply ignorant of international history. Social psych is an interesting topic but this book is a dreadful way to try to learn about it. The aim of the book isn’t so much education as indoctrination for naive freshmen.

[Lucía · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and useful to understand social interactions

[Fred Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Social Psychology 101 is a good book with an introduction and familiarity with social psychology. I enjoyed it very much.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basics of social psychology

[Mridul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misbelief and Conformity were better books.