3 'Must-Haves' for a Psychology Student.
Psychology students' Essentials.
Studying Psychology in college is often confusing. Students find it difficult to grasp concepts ranging from social psychology, to cognitive psychology and all the way to biology, neuroscience and statistics. Given the sheer scope of the discipline, students sometimes may experience bouts of self-doubt, uncertainty, and under preparedness.
So, to help students excel in their class, get a grip over the topics, and find their own voice in Psychology, here are 3 ‘must-haves’ for a Psychology Student.
1. An Updated Textbook
In India, “Psychology” by Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White, and Girishwar Mishra (6th ed.) seems to be the most updated textbook for Psychology. This book works at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. While it covers all the important “core” topics of Psychology in detail, it also includes references of a number of research studies. This gives students a bit more than the definitions of the concepts. Additionally, it includes Indian views and perspectives, which are essential for students to develop an indigenous outlook in Psychology.
Other than that, “Psychology” by Robert Baron and Girishwar Mishra (5th ed.), “Introduction to Psychology” by Morgan, King, Weiz, and Schopler, and “Psychology Textbook” for class 11th by NCERT are also easily available alternatives. The best way to decide which book will work best for you is to assess the demand of your course. For an undergraduate student with no former experience of Psychology may want to begin with NCERT textbooks. Similarly, for a graduate student willing to prepare for competitive exams, may find Ciccarelli’s Textbook more useful.
2. Original Works of Prominent Psychologists
In some institutes, perhaps writing book reviews are a part of the curriculum. But, despite of such a mandate, one must cultivate the habit and curiosity to learn a bit more about Psychologists introduced to them in Textbooks. Indian students may face a challenge obtaining original works of, say Freud, Jung, Piaget, Erikson, Baddeley, Rogers, Beck and their likes. However, some of their works are easily available in e-books, sometimes even for free.
The problem with Psychology curriculums across India is that it involves only transfer of elementary information. That is, most of the lectures and practical involve in knowing “what” of the concept. “What is this theory called?”; “What is that phenomena called?”; and “What is the difference between this and that?”
This leaves the students with the information about names, definitions, scales, and instruments. Beyond information, however, lies the true essence of Psychology. Unless one learns to wonder, be curious, and actively involve in contemplation, original thoughts and ideas will never emerge. Consequently, one simply becomes part of the “Commercial Psychology” race, purchasing some course here, and other workshop there.
Having said that, you can start by finding classic works such as that of Freud and Jung on Amazon. Their essays are compiled and are distributed under many titles. Some Psychologists like Baddeley and Anderson wrote seminal works in Cognitive and Social Psychology and can be found in open access journals.
3. A Laptop
Though not exactly a “must-have”, a laptop is far more effective while studying in college than any other device or a notebook. Having a laptop solves the problem of managing class-notes, documenting lectures, and keeping important reading material for reference. Unlike, a mobile phone, a laptop is far less distracting. When you think of “laptop”, you think of “work”. This does not happen with a phone. A notebook on the other hand may help in maintaining a writing habit and so, a laptop is not a replacement of your notebooks.
Furthermore, a laptop will also help you in learning important Data Analysis software and applications like SPSS, Excel, R, and MATLAB. Some Research Assistant jobs and PhD positions also require these as essential skills in a candidate’s application.
Buying a laptop may not be possible for every student, specially when there are lack of scholarships. However, decent laptops for students can be bought for as less as 25k INR. They work for years and are often repairable.
Summary
To fully engage in your academic journey as a competent Psychology student, I recommend getting yourself an updated Psychology Textbook, a Laptop, and original works of prominent Psychologists. If you use these 3 “must-have” essentials, you will definitely experience improvement in your confidence, motivation, and performance in and outside your classroom. Not having these 3 “must-haves” does not mean you will perform poorly. But, it will most likely aid in your academics.
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