The Student Room Group

Psychology books

Heyy!!
I’ve applied to do business and psychology at university because I really like the overlap that marketing has with psychology.
I’d love to get book recommendations that might be useful for uni next year or books related to psychology that you found useful/amusing!
Original post by schoolgirll
Heyy!!
I’ve applied to do business and psychology at university because I really like the overlap that marketing has with psychology.
I’d love to get book recommendations that might be useful for uni next year or books related to psychology that you found useful/amusing!

Hi there,

That's so exciting! I hope you've found a course that you love and find some books to help develop your interest before starting your course.

I'm currently studying psychology and I read a few different books before going to university which I really enjoyed and might be of use to you. They were good for getting interested in different areas of psychology and understanding how broad the subject is.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat And Other Clinical Tales - about different cases from a neurologist including visual agnosia
The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language - how we evolve to be able to communicate and developed language
The Dark Side of the Mind - the work of a forensic psychologist understanding why people commit crimes

These are just a few of my suggestions but there are plenty of different psychology books covering all sorts of areas including marketing and psychology!

Eloise
Second year Psychology student
Hello there!

I’m currently studying International Business Management, and I totally get why you’re interested in the overlap between psychology and business.

In terms of books, a few stood out to me when I was getting into this area.
One of my favourites is “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman - it’s such a solid introduction to how people think and make decisions, especially when it comes to irrational behaviours in markets.
Another great one is “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely, which dives into why we often make illogical choices, but in a really engaging, funny way.
If you’re into marketing specifically, I’d also recommend “Buyology” by Martin Lindstrom. - it’s all about neuromarketing and how brands play with our subconscious. It’s super easy to read and full of cool examples.

These books are great not just for university prep, but also for helping you think differently about everyday decisions and how psychology is used in business and marketing.

I hope this helps!
Good luck!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Original post by schoolgirll
Heyy!!
I’ve applied to do business and psychology at university because I really like the overlap that marketing has with psychology.
I’d love to get book recommendations that might be useful for uni next year or books related to psychology that you found useful/amusing!

@schoolgirlll

It's so nice to see someone starting on their journey into Psychology - I finished my Masters in it a while back (after initially really struggling at A level with it).

If you are not over familiar with the subject - https://www.simplypsychology.org/ is a great fun website to dip your toe in - it isn't a great academic reference though for University level.

'Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology' by Coolican is a fantastic book for research methods, I clung too it throughout all of my studies

You'll do great

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Original post by schoolgirll
Heyy!!
I’ve applied to do business and psychology at university because I really like the overlap that marketing has with psychology.
I’d love to get book recommendations that might be useful for uni next year or books related to psychology that you found useful/amusing!

Hi there!

Amazing to hear you're thinking ahead and getting yourself organised for uni!

My top 3 recommendations would be...

'Sane new World' by Ruby Wax - very funny and a good intro to wellbeing psychology, pathology and mindfulness.

'Psychology: the Science of Mind and Behaviour' by Nigel Holt - explains a series of well-known psychology concepts and ideas simply and accessibly.

'Research Methods and Statistics' by Dr Ian Walker (he lectures here at Bath!) - this one is better for when you're actually at uni. His writing is extremely accessible and beginner-friendly and explains complex statistical concepts for research in a fun and understandable way and really helped me understand my psychology content in first year.


Anything from SimplyPsychology.com is also a great suggestion! When you get to uni, I'm sure your lecturers will have more suggestions which are tailored to your course 🙂

I hope this helps and best of luck!

Holly
University of Bath

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