Applied psychology is a large field with many interesting books to read on it. For instance, there’s a book that takes an art perception approach to applied psychology. The way a person perceives art makes a difference. If you’re considering majoring in applied psychology or are already a student, read these five books to deepen your understanding and master the basics.
1. Understand Applied Psychology: Teach Yourself
If you’re new to applied psychology, Understand Applied Psychology: Teach Yourself, is a great introductory book to learn the fundamentals of applied psychology. It will teach you how basic psychological processes relate to everyday situations and contexts. You’ll receive a thorough explanation of the wide range of ways psychology can be applied to all aspects of life, including unknown niches space psychology and eco-psychology. Understand Applied Psychology: Teach Yourself discusses 18 different areas in which psychology can be applied. The book also comes with practice tests to ensure you’re learning the material.
2. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Lack of Focus, Anger, and Memory Problems is a well-known applied psychology book that uses scientific evidence to explain you’re not stuck with the brain you’re born with. Scientists have discovered that the brain is plastic, meaning it’s changeable. As you pursue a career in applied psychology, it will be beneficial for you to have a good understanding of brain plasticity and how you can use it to help clients, according to Brain HQ.
3. Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life
Another great book for students who are majoring in applied psychology is Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life. Amy E. Herman, the author, analyzed art perception to determine how she can help people see more clearly, use hidden clues to understand situations, and analyze more intelligently. It sounds outlandish that an executive can save millions of dollars by looking at Monet’s water lily paintings, at least until you read this book. Amy E. Herman has used applied psychology and art perception to help detectives separate fact from opinion and detect clues that were missed. Her book can be used to understand people better, see events more clearly and accurately, and perform better in any career.
4. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Knowing how to motivate people is an invaluable skill for anyone in psychology. Whether you’re a researcher sharing your findings with the world or a clinical psychologist, understanding how motivation works is essential for your success. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, is based on 40 years of scientific research on what motivates humans. Daniel H. Pink warns against using 20th century motivational tactics because they aren’t effective anymore. In today’s world, autonomy, mastery, and purpose are essential for sustained motivation. Daniel H. Pink also supplies modern examples of companies and scientists that are utilizing new, effective approaches to motivation.
5. Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else
Another exceptional book on applied psychology is Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, written by Geoff Colvin. Anyone who has big dreams and craves success should read this book. It provides you with the secrets to reaching your goals, no matter how large they are. Geoff Colvin explains how both mindset and practicality are important to succeeding. His claims are backed by scientific evidence and real-world examples of these principles in action. This book will teach you how to learn from your mistakes, how to practice, and how to analyze your progress to become the best at what you do.
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Life is a never-ending learning process, and what you learn outside of class is more important than what you do in class. If you’re serious about mastering applied psychology, develop the habit of always learning more. The five applied psychology books listed above are a great way to get started.