How Hard Is Intro Psychology?

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.

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.2 A few factors might play a role.

• For example, many high schools don’t offer psychology courses, so some students arrive at their Intro Psych courses with little or no exposure to the subject.
• The course content itself can be overwhelming. Students are expected to touch upon a wide array of topics far beyond the history of psychology, including biological, social, cognitive, and personality psychology.
• Some education experts fault the way psychology is taught and recommend change. For example, some have proposed shifting the traditional focus of Intro Psych to fighting common misconceptions about mental health and illness.3

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 the history of psychology and 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.

Use Good Study Habits

Spend some time developing solid studying and test-taking strategies. This might involve evaluating your current study 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. From writing a formal research paper, lab report, or case study to 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

Take advantage of research opportunities in nearby schools. Many psychology programs allow undergraduate students to participate in experiments and serve as research assistants to earn credits toward their degrees.

Cultivate Your Curiosity

Learn as much as you can about psychology research methods, the scientific method, and the simple experiment. Explore topics that an intro psych course typically covers, such as behavioral psychology, personality psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology.