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Introductory psychology (or a similar course covering behavior) is among the core curriculum requirements of most colleges and universities, regardless of major. Although the course can be difficult, a few simple strategies can help you maximize this opportunity to learn about the human mind.

Introductory psychology is one of the most popular classes on college campuses throughout the world.

What Makes Psych 101 Difficult for Some Students?

In a recent survey of first-year college students, most said they found Intro Psych moderately difficult.A few factors might play a role.

A Few Pointers

Try these strategies to maximize your educational investment with minimum stress.

Start With the Basics

In almost any Introductory Psychology course, the first weeks typically cover thehistory of psychologyand the scientific methods used in psychological research. They’re the foundation of everything you’ll learn from here on out, so getting a handle on them now will help you throughout your learning journey.

What Is Psychology?

Use Good Study Habits

Spend some time developing solid studying andtest-taking strategies. This might involve evaluating your currentstudy techniques, learning about new homework approaches, and establishing a study schedule.

Sharpen Your Writing Skills

The ability to write well is essential for passing virtually any psychology course. Fromwriting a formal research paper,lab report, orcase studyto completing essay questions, academic success in psychology depends on effective communication. Writing can be daunting, however. If you need extra help, check whether your school offers a writing lab where you can get ideas, editorial reviews, and constructive criticism.

Participate in Psychology Research

Cultivate Your Curiosity

Learn as much as you can about psychology research methods, thescientific method, and thesimple experiment. Explore topics that an intro psych course typically covers, such asbehavioral psychology,personality psychology,social psychology, andcognitive psychology.

Psychology Research Methods

A Word From Verywell

Introduction to psychology can be difficult for many reasons, from a lack of exposure to the subject to the sheer scope of the material. Contact your school’s psychology and counseling departments to learn about strategies specific to your difficulties in psych.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Bailey D.Retooling Psych 101.Monitor on Psychology.2019;50(9):24.

Richmond AS, Boysen GA, Gurung RAR, Naufel KZ.A national study of student and instructor perceptions of introductory psychology.Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology. Published online January 12, 2023. doi:10.1037/stl0000345

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