This book will open your eyes to what is wrong with much popular so-called research and give you a clearer idea of what science is all about. 

Bad Science available in the LRC.

Interesting insight into the man and his research – it is said that psychologists often investigate the aspect of life that is most troubling to them and for Harlow it was love and affection. 

A detailed look at ten classic studies including Loftus, Milgram and Rosenhan.  There have been criticisms of some of Slater’s claims but it is an interesting read. 

This book explores questions such as ‘What is the funniest joke in the world?’ and ‘What’s the best first date to go on if you want someone to fall in love with you?’.  Wiseman answers these questions using psychological research.  It’s a fun read but useful for evaluating the research methodology used. 

This book looks at fMRI and what it reveals about what is really going on in our minds.  It covers topics such as how neuroscience impacts society and the use of fMRI in marketing.  A really good read in the swiftly advancing area of psychology. 

The book investigates whether psychopathy can be diagnosed with a test and whether the label really means something. 

Frankenstein creates a monster, a tale that reflects 19th century fears of the potential outcomes of scientific research.

School boys marooned on an island become savages – an exploration of what true human nature might be.

Criminal Randy McMurphy opts for a ‘sentence’ in a psychiatric hospital instead of prison and tries to rebel against the institution.  Insights into 1960s institutional regimes. 

The story of a boy whose penis was burned off during infancy and the development of his gender identity.  Psychologist John Money believed gender was a matter of socialisation and stepped in to ‘help’ the boy. 

The extraordinary tale of a girl tied to a chair for much of her early life and an analysis of what happened after she was found. Provides insights into attachment and the ethics of psychological research. 

HM lost the ability to form short-term memories when parts of his hippocampi were removed.  This is a record of his life, including how he was studied by psychologists. 

An easy read about dealing with failure, the myth of talent and the power of practice.

Available in the LRC. 

The classic work on how to achieve happiness. 

Available in the LRC.

This is about the early effects of trauma and the use of play therapy as a means to return to normality.  

The author states that our minds are composed of two parts-an instinctive and primal section, and a more critical and rational section. 

How the world’s most successful people became successful. 

Available in the LRC.

The author shows us that happiness is more a product of internal conditions than external factors. 

Available in the LRC.

The power of thinking without thinking. Assessments that we make in the blink of an eye can be as good as those we make after much deliberation. 

From cases such as Jack the Ripper and Jill Dando, to the murders of Fred West; geographical profiling and how this new approach to solving crime is changing the way police work and our understanding of the criminal mind. 

Why do memories fade? Why do we lose our tempers? Why do fools fall in love? Why do we pursue higher callings like art, religion and philosophy?  This is an advanced read written by a world exert. 

Available in the LRC.

Our minds are connected to a deeper layer of consciousness that speaks in terms of imagery and myth.

People play games as a substitute for real intimacy, and every game, however unpleasant, has a payoff for one or both players. 

Available in the LRC.

The conscious acceptance of suffering or fate can be transformed into one of our greatest achievements. 

For centuries, scientists could only study the brain by waiting for misfortune to strike and to see how the victims changed when different parts of the brain were destroyed.  Perfect for the biopsychology topic; brain lateralisation, neural activity and brain localisation.  

Every act of human behaviour has multiple layers of causation, spiralling back seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, even centuries, right back to the dawn of time and the origins of our species. 

Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it: us.

Through evolutionary psychology this book looks at who we are, how we got here and where we’re going.

Current developments in psychology revisiting popular ideas.  Over 200 episodes available here.

Looking at classic theory and studies such as Carl Roger’s ideas or locus of control research here.

Gives a sense of how people developed their careers and what it is like to be a scientist, which often includes psychologists here.

This clip will consolidate your understanding of Zimbardo's prison study.

This clip will consolidate and deepen your understanding of Milgram's study of obedience.

This clip will consolidate your knowledge and understanding of eye witness testimony.

Based on the life of mathematical genius John Nash who experienced a schizophrenic breakdown. 

Also recommended by Maths and Economics.

The main character experienced abuse and privation as child and the film shows how he comes to realise his full potential. 

A documentary film about identical triplet brothers adopted as infants by separate families reveals how their adoption had been part of an undisclosed scientific "nature versus nurture" study of the development of genetically identical siblings raised in differing socioeconomic circumstances. 

The British Psychological Society has various events and webinars to attend online which range from futures and careers advice e.g. BPS - Become a Health Psychologist to specific topics of interest e.g.  Autism and Mental Health awareness: Events | BPS 

A collection of lectures, podcasts and videos from The New School of psychology and counselling is a centre of excellence for training and research in existential psychotherapy, counselling psychology and coaching: Lectures & Talks 

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science offers a range of online and in-person events , across a broad spectrum of topics e.g. LSE IQ podcast - Why Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories? With Professor Bradley Franks

Mencap offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities working with people with disabilities. The particular areas that would be of most relevance would be a befriender or support worker role. Mencap also offer work with young people which may be useful.

Volunteering at Mind can be a really rewarding and valuable experience – and there's probably more ways of doing it than you might think: click here.

Search for available roles near you by entering your postcode.

A useful link that could be used to search for any volunteering opportunity from gardening at a local hospice to dog walking for local elderly residents: Leaders in youth volunteer opportunities

Choose from an area of psychology that you are most passionate about learning more about and sign up to this virtual work experience programme: Forensic, health, sport, clinical psychology to choose from.Virtual Work Experience/ Psychology Work Experience 

The Department of Experimental Psychology offers hands-on research projects where students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards cutting-edge research in neuroscience and other areas of psychology here.

Shadow someone to find out more about their job. It could be useful or even arranging a meeting with them to discuss what their career entails.The BPS allows you to search for psychologists in your area.

This competition is open to students in Year 12 and provides students with an opportunity to engage in university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer.

The John Locke Institute run a global essay competition each year and invites students to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum. It also gives students the chance to have their work assessed by experts.

This is a national Psychology competition for schools, enabling Year 12 students to pit their psychology skills against pupils from across the UK. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your understanding of Psychology and usually ends with an in-person final.

Minds Underground brings Oxbridge university preparation summer schools to you through virtual courses in a wide range of subjects including psychology.  Unfortunately, there is a cost but more details can be found here.

Discover Bath is available to all Year 12 students free of charge and is a summer programme which aims to give prospective students a taste of first-year life and study at the University of Bath.  Courses include criminology and psychology. Students must meet this widening participation criteria.

Every year, UCL welcomes students from universities around the world to study for 3 or 6 weeks in July and August. Modules include business psychology and how the brain works and what can go wrong. Click here for info.