Introduction to Psychology

Understanding the self and others

This 8-week NPTEL course, taught by Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur, is pitched at understanding how and why people think, feel and act. It treats psychology as a tool for better self-understanding as well as for reading other people.

Core constructs

Lessons cover the principal psychological constructs, with particular focus on perceptual processes, learning, memory and emotion. The course also examines how genetic and environmental influences shape behavior and personality.

Lab component

In the final week, the course demonstrates lab sessions in which key constructs and phenomena can be tested empirically. That practical element gives the theory a concrete footing.

Who it suits

• Elective students in undergraduate, engineering and science programs
• Learners who want a compact introduction to psychology

The audience note in the course description points to undergraduate study, so it fits well as a first psychology course.