Top 5 Psychology Books for Beginners
Series: Recommended Psychology Books
“I’m keen to learn about the main theories and ideas in psychology. What books would you recommend?”
In this previous article, I recommended 5 non-fiction books to help you dive into the world of psychology and inspire you to read more.
However, in this article below we consider a different set of books, this time more focused on those that provide students with the framework and foundations of psychological theories. Some of these books are more advanced than others so I provided an indication of what level they may be suitable for based on the education system in the UK.
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Psych 101: Psychology facts, basics, statistics, tests, and more!
This is an introductory guide to the field of psychology covrering a wide range of topics, from the history of psychology to the latest research findings in the field.
The first section provides an overview of the basic principles of psychology, including the major theories and concepts that have shaped the psychology such as the work of Ivan Pavlov, Sigmund Freud, and Philip Zimbardo. This section covers various types of research designs used in psychological studies, as well as ethics.
The second section delves into the different areas of psychology, such as developmental, social, and cognitive psychology. Each chapter provides examples of real-world applications of psychological research.
The third section focuses on psychological testing and assessment, including the various types of tests used in clinical and educational settings. The final section of the book provides an overview of statistics and data analysis in psychology.
This book provides a solid foundation in the basics of psychology, as well as an understanding of the latest research and trends in psychological research.
Suitability level: A-level and above
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2. Psychology: A Very Short Introduction
This is a concise and accessible guide to the field of psychology. The book provides an overview of the key concepts and theories in psychology, as well as the historical and cultural contexts in which they developed.
It begins by exploring the origins of psychology as a scientific discipline, and the different schools of thought that have shaped its development. It then goes on to examine the various approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes, including cognitive, biological, and social psychology.
Throughout the book, it highlights how psychology has influenced and been influenced by other fields, such as philosophy, biology, and neuroscience. They also discuss the ethical issues that arise in psychological research, and the importance of considering cultural and social contexts when studying human behavior.
The book is designed to be accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of psychology, making it an ideal introduction for students and general readers alike.
Suitability level: GCSE and above
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3. A Degree in a Book: Psychology - Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject
The book is designed to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the key concepts and theories in psychology, as well as practical advice on how to apply this knowledge in academic and professional settings.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of psychology, research methods, the brain and behavior, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology. Each chapter includes key terms, review questions, and case studies to help readers grasp the material and apply it to real-world situations.
In addition to providing an overview of the field, the book also includes practical tips on how to succeed in a psychology degree program, such as how to study effectively, how to write research papers, and how to prepare for exams. The author also provides guidance on career paths in psychology, including information on different types of jobs and graduate programs.
Overall, it providers readers with a solid foundation in the subject and practical advice on how to succeed in academic and professional settings.
Suitability level: Undergraduate/Degree
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4. The Psychology Book
The book is organized chronologically, starting with ancient Greek philosophers and moving through the development of the scientific method and the emergence of modern psychology as a discipline. Each section provides an introduction to a major figure or school of thought, along with key concepts, research findings, and case studies.
There’s something here for even the most interested psychology student who has even completed their undergraduate studies in psychology.
"The Psychology Book" also provides information on the methods and techniques used in psychological research, as well as ethical considerations and practical applications of psychological theories.
Overall, "The Psychology Book" is a comprehensive and engaging guide to the history and key concepts of psychology, providing readers with a broad understanding of the field and its significance in shaping our understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Suitability level: A-level / Undergraduate Degree
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5. The Little Book of Psychology: An Introduction to the Key Psychologists and Theories You Need to Know
"The Little Book of Psychology” covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of consciousness, perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality, and social psychology.
The book also includes information on the methods and techniques used in psychological research, as well as ethical considerations and practical applications of psychological theories. The authors use simple language and clear examples to make the material accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of psychology.
In addition to providing an overview of the field, "The Little Book of Psychology" also includes practical tips on how to apply psychological insights in everyday life. For example, the authors provide advice on improving communication skills, managing stress and anxiety, and cultivating resilience.
Overall, "The Little Book of Psychology" is a concise and engaging introduction to the field of psychology.
Suitability level: GCSE and above
Buy here: Amazon