I've decided I want to learn about psychology and since I usually read for about half an hour before bed, was looking for a good book that would serve as an introduction to the subject. The level I'd like to read at would be as though I'm doing a degree on the subject. Do any Bit-Techers have any recommendations? I'd prefer to buy one or two relatively cheap books. Thanks in advance!
To recommend books properly it would help to know what sparked the interest. It's a broad field and varies pretty much to the extent of human mental function... If you can give a bit more I might be able to help more. Meantime, since most people with a new interest in psychology want to know how to 'read' other people or understand why certain people can behave in ways that others simple cannot, you could take a look at: - Influence: The power of persuasion - Robert Cialdini - Really good introduction to the psych principles behind behavioural economics (don't bother with the related book titled "Yes", it's a dumbed down version of the same underlying content.) - Snakes in Suits: When psychopaths go to work - Robert D. Hare - Likely to feed your inner conspiracy theorist, but a good read and insight to the darker side of having excess of character traits that are typically regarded as critical to business success These are very accessible texts - if you want to get into grad level reading you need to focus on a branch of study for a decent recommendation.
Apparently Psychology is the fastest growing course at universities. I see the appeal of it too, although I did A level Psychology ages ago for a few terms and thought it was a bit naff (probably just the course, not the subject).
Nothing sinister, I promise! I'm just interested in why people behave the way they do and why some are more driven than others - you seem to have predicted that in your reply. The books you recommend (thanks for that by the way) sound good so I'll definitely be checking them out: before I do that though I was just wondering if there was a book which gave an overall view of psychology before I started specializing. Hopefully so!
I'd be tracking back to my undergrad days to step outside of the occupational psych / behavioural economics space - Nexxo is likely more current in his broader reading, but the chapter list in this looks like a fair enough spread to identify subjects of interest. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ideas-You-Really-Need-Know/dp/1780875959/ref=lh_ni_t Definitely pick up influence though - very easy to read and I'd be surprised if it doesn't capture your attention
Gross's Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour is pretty good for an all rounder. For a more directional approach I do however recommend buying some second hand OU books perhaps ones for the DSE212 course. The course provided me with invaluable knowledge. The chapters on Bowlby and attatchment theory gave me a good head start when I studied social work at uni.
