Coming soon · Book Profile
Great Course - Psychology of Human Behavior
A 36-lecture survey of modern psychology that examines human behavior from both clinical and experimental perspectives, framed by scientific method and increasingly informed by evolutionary theory.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
This guidebook offers a sweeping, accessible tour of psychology as a science of human behavior, guided by an award-winning professor who treats the field with both rigor and humor. It begins with the historical roots of psychology and the logic of research methods—experimentation, correlation, and qualitative designs—before exploring Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the classification and treatment of mental illness, and the experimental core of the discipline: motivation, emotion, drugs, social influence, learning, memory, and perception. It closes with the emerging field of evolutionary psychology and applied engineering psychology, arguing throughout that behavior is best understood as the product of biological predispositions interacting with environment and learning. Readers come away able to think critically about claims of causation, recognize the constructive nature of memory and perception, understand how the brain and drugs interact, and see why many of our modern problems are mismatches between ancient adaptations and current environments.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A curious learner who wants to understand why people—including themselves—think, feel, and behave the way they do.
- The problem
- Human behavior is complex, often misunderstood, and surrounded by pop-psychology myths and false causal claims. The learner feels confused or intimidated by psychology and unsure how to separate science from speculation.
- The plan
- Establish a foundation in scientific research methods and what counts as evidence.
- Learn the major theories of personality and the classification and treatment of mental illness.
- Study the experimental core: motivation, emotion, drugs, social influence, learning, memory, and perception.
- Apply evolutionary and engineering psychology to understand and improve real behavior.
- The payoff
- The reader thinks critically about causal claims and distinguishes science from pseudoscience. · They understand the roots of their own emotions, learning, perception, and behavior. · They recognize manipulation and influence tactics and can resist them.
See our guide
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Additional reading
- The Organism · Kurt Goldstein
Maslow sources the term 'self-actualization' from Goldstein and builds upon his holistic view of the organism.
- Explorations in Personality · H. A. Murray, et al.
Cited as providing an 'excellent discussion' on the basic principle of centering motivation theory on goals rather than instigation or behavior.
- Social Interest · Alfred Adler
Maslow credits Adler and his followers for stressing the importance of the 'esteem needs,' which he felt were neglected by Freudian psychoanalysts.
- Wisdom of the Body · W. B. Cannon
Provides the foundational concept of 'homeostasis,' which Maslow uses as the starting point for his discussion of physiological needs.
- Multipliers · Liz Wiseman
Explores how leaders can either amplify ('multiply') or diminish ('diminish') the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, a key concept for creating a positive, low-anxiety environment.
- The Fearless Organization · Amy Edmondson
Provides the foundational research and practical steps for creating psychological safety, which the book identifies as crucial for reducing interpersonal anxiety and encouraging people to speak up.
- Mindset · Carol Dweck
Explains the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,' which is presented as a key tool for helping employees manage perfectionism and see failures as learning opportunities.
- Crucial Conversations · Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.
Recommended as a resource for employees to learn how to navigate difficult, high-stakes conversations, directly addressing the book's theme of moving from conflict avoidance to healthy debate.
- Better Allies · Karen Catlin
The author is quoted on specific, actionable steps for allyship, making her book a practical guide for implementing the principles in Chapter 7.
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People · Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Explains the science of implicit bias, which is central to the book's argument that leaders need to be proactive allies because 'not being racist/sexist' isn't enough.