Understanding Others: Social Thinking & Influence

Issued by Northern State University

People constantly form impressions to understand others and predict their behavior. This course examines how those impressions form, why they can be wrong, and how social cognition relates to prejudice. It also explores how beliefs and actions are shaped by persuasion, conformity, and obedience, showing how social influence affects everyday life.

Type Learning
Level Foundational
Time Days
Cost Free

Additional Details

Skills

Cognitive Science
Communication skills
Influencing Skills
Objectivity
Persuasive Writing
Social Change
Social Intelligence
Social Issues
Social Listening
Sociology

Earning Criteria

Explains how impressions of others are formed and used to interpret and predict behavior.
Identifies why impressions can be inaccurate or biased, including cognitive and social factors.
Analyzes the relationship between social cognition and prejudice.
Explains how persuasion, conformity, and obedience shape beliefs and behaviors.
Applies concepts of social influence to understand real-world social interactions and decision-making.