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Ten Interesting Things about Human Behavior
Ten Interesting Things About Human Behavior is a short, lighthearted look at 10 things human beings do, why we do them, and their significance in our everyday lives. How do we resolve psychological conflict that occurs when our behavior violates our attitudes? Why are we so quick to blame others for their behavior while offering excuses for our own? What should we make of the talking heads on cable TV who argue about the cause of TV violence on children's behavior - whose explanation is correct? Why are reality TV shows, some of which portray contestants as pathetic and dysfunctional, so popular?
Questions like these usually provoke different answers from different people, each of whom may attribute his or her answers to "common sense." One person argues that "of course children mimic violence they see on TV - my kids do" while another attributes it to "poor parenting - because my kids don't." Which is it, and why?
Research psychologists try to answer these questions as best we can. This book is a brief look at the answers to 10 aspects of human behavior - answers derived from controlled behavioral research that is designed to test various theories about behavior. Certainly, there is more to human behavior than the 10 things I chose for this short book. And there are hundreds of primary sources and research reports that describe the research findings in more depth. They're out there if you'd like to read more.
But for those who are new to the field of Experimental Psychology, 10 Things may pique your interest in learning more about the subject. And for those "armchair psychologists" out there who'd like a quick read about the most fascinating creatures on the planet - human beings - I think you'll like it, too.
Questions like these usually provoke different answers from different people, each of whom may attribute his or her answers to "common sense." One person argues that "of course children mimic violence they see on TV - my kids do" while another attributes it to "poor parenting - because my kids don't." Which is it, and why?
Research psychologists try to answer these questions as best we can. This book is a brief look at the answers to 10 aspects of human behavior - answers derived from controlled behavioral research that is designed to test various theories about behavior. Certainly, there is more to human behavior than the 10 things I chose for this short book. And there are hundreds of primary sources and research reports that describe the research findings in more depth. They're out there if you'd like to read more.
But for those who are new to the field of Experimental Psychology, 10 Things may pique your interest in learning more about the subject. And for those "armchair psychologists" out there who'd like a quick read about the most fascinating creatures on the planet - human beings - I think you'll like it, too.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2011
655 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 20, 2013
Chapter 2 really appealed to me: 'humans can be inconsistent' it read, and yet this short but informative ebook was anything but. In this reader's opinion, it's consistently insightful whilst not overloaded with complicated jargon or psycho babble. The ebook, which I gratefully downloaded for free, offered psychological perspectives that it clarified and relayed to everyday scenarios. I've always thought the mark of a true expert, in any field, is to make complex thought approachable and readable for all levels. I imagine this would appeal to the expert, layman and just anyone who is interested in how we behave.
Reward yourself by checking it out, and whilst you're at it, read chapter 6: rewards and punishment!
Reward yourself by checking it out, and whilst you're at it, read chapter 6: rewards and punishment!
September 28, 2012
I guess I'm a psychologist at heart !
November 22, 2017
Loved this read. Suzanne, I hope you write many more books on Human Behavior.
Loved the concept of Dignity of Labor , concept of REM sleep and shutting of neurons presented.
My opinion is attitude can be changed by changing our perspective too.
The book mentions in chapter 2 that children can be forced gently to do some things which they dislike and eventually they do those things. My opinion is that children are delicate souls and should not be even gently forced to do things they dislike but rather they should be educated in the right way to improvise a transformation/needed change in their train of thoughts.
To err is human and to forgive is divine was the thought that flashed my mind when I read the title for chapter 2. I agree with the author that it is not easy to convince someone that their beliefs are inconsistent but my opinion is Abortion is murder. Anything that grows has life, so how can one say that a fetus is not alive. Such people will be called parents of a dead child.
Loved chapter 8 - Actor Observer Effect /We use a double standard when we judge ourselves in relative to others. In many cases, this may also be called as blame game. Live and let live approach can eliminate this behavior.
Loved the concept of Dignity of Labor , concept of REM sleep and shutting of neurons presented.
My opinion is attitude can be changed by changing our perspective too.
The book mentions in chapter 2 that children can be forced gently to do some things which they dislike and eventually they do those things. My opinion is that children are delicate souls and should not be even gently forced to do things they dislike but rather they should be educated in the right way to improvise a transformation/needed change in their train of thoughts.
To err is human and to forgive is divine was the thought that flashed my mind when I read the title for chapter 2. I agree with the author that it is not easy to convince someone that their beliefs are inconsistent but my opinion is Abortion is murder. Anything that grows has life, so how can one say that a fetus is not alive. Such people will be called parents of a dead child.
Loved chapter 8 - Actor Observer Effect /We use a double standard when we judge ourselves in relative to others. In many cases, this may also be called as blame game. Live and let live approach can eliminate this behavior.
February 4, 2025
A Quick Refresher
This was a nice, quick read, written in layman's terms. It covers the 10main psychology basics (principles of Skinner, Bandura etc.), and explains them in a simplistic way. This is a great free refresher for people who may have studied psychology a while back, or who are just discovering it. I was hoping for a little more, (hence 3 stars), as it veers toward the self-help style rather than giving a full explanation, but it was so quick to read I enjoyed the jogging of my memory of certain terms and studies!
This was a nice, quick read, written in layman's terms. It covers the 10main psychology basics (principles of Skinner, Bandura etc.), and explains them in a simplistic way. This is a great free refresher for people who may have studied psychology a while back, or who are just discovering it. I was hoping for a little more, (hence 3 stars), as it veers toward the self-help style rather than giving a full explanation, but it was so quick to read I enjoyed the jogging of my memory of certain terms and studies!
March 13, 2018
Good
How the writer did was brilliant. I picked a lot of exciting facts in this book. In comparison to other psychologic books I have read, I found this really helpful. I bet you want to try.
How the writer did was brilliant. I picked a lot of exciting facts in this book. In comparison to other psychologic books I have read, I found this really helpful. I bet you want to try.
September 21, 2022
I have no idea why I downloaded this book on my Kindle! Started reading it on London’s underground in July 2022, finished it yesterday. I believe there’s no psychological “science” there - as claimed -, yet the part on body language is good. Otherwise, it only occupied my transportation time, that’s all. Also, a book counted and added to my 2022 read list!
August 13, 2012
I picked this up as a free book from iTunes; if it's still available don't waste your money. The word "interesting" in the title is rather misleading, since everything the author tells us about is likely to be known by anyone who knows more than 10 people and who has spent a little time thinking about things. The author's tone is rather condescending and the book reads like a blog (which made sense when the author mentioned her blog). Don't waste your time on this one.
October 3, 2016
Most of it is common sense . You don't have to be a psychologist to write a E-book of this sort .
However I have conflicting thoughts about some of the behavior that the author mentions as weird, being totally normal .
Whats wrong with applying nail polish in a airplane, as long as ur minding ur business ? And what's wrong with removing ur shoes in a airplane as long as ur feet doesn't smell ?
The book is total Waste of time !
However I have conflicting thoughts about some of the behavior that the author mentions as weird, being totally normal .
Whats wrong with applying nail polish in a airplane, as long as ur minding ur business ? And what's wrong with removing ur shoes in a airplane as long as ur feet doesn't smell ?
The book is total Waste of time !
December 12, 2011
I enjoyed reading about the ten principles of human behavior contained in this book. When I was finished reading it, I placed it on my coffee table for anyone to pick up and read, or leaf through, if the prefer. It's a good little reference book that should lead to some interesting conversations.
August 9, 2017
This was good, but bonus story was better. IMHO.
Very interesting facts about human behaviors. Was surprised about the body language comments. I have read several books, on body language. Do read the bonus content, liked it better.
Very interesting facts about human behaviors. Was surprised about the body language comments. I have read several books, on body language. Do read the bonus content, liked it better.
June 8, 2021
This is an accessible read, which will probably take readers less than an hour. It makes some interesting points, but the points are often very compressed so their implications can be a bit incomplete.
For example Chapter 2 tells us that inconsistency is ‘normal.’ Readers are told that the implication of this is that when they encounter inconsistency perhaps they would be better off trying to understand it, rather than challenging or resolving it.
The book cites an argument about abortion to illustrate the point. But that argument is full of confusions about language. So it is arguably an example of an ‘apparent’ inconsistency, not a real one.
Yes it may be the case that people do shout at each other and accuse each other of inconsistency in the (unproductive) heat of arguments; but that is hardly a (rational) justification for accepting inconsistency. Indeed some versions of Natural Law ethics are predicated upon striving to remove inconsistencies in ethical reasoning, so the implication of the book is to reject a specific model of ethics without giving any argument or justification for doing so.
Another chapter which leaves issues unresolved is chapter 6, on rewards and punishments. The book makes the point that they ‘work.’ Teachers use them successfully in schools and so they can be applied to almost any walk of life.
This is so, but their use also gives rise to ethical issues about ‘manipulation,’ which the book does not raise or deal with.
On balance, I think this book would have worked better if it had focused on 5 issues, rather than 10, and provided a more detailed discussion for each of the points it focused on.
I appreciated the short bibliography to follow-up points raised, but several of the books were very old. For example, chapter 1 refers to Eagly and Chaiken’s 1993 book on Attitudes. But there are more recent (and more up to date) books on Attitudes which the author could have helpfully cited and recommended to readers.
For example Chapter 2 tells us that inconsistency is ‘normal.’ Readers are told that the implication of this is that when they encounter inconsistency perhaps they would be better off trying to understand it, rather than challenging or resolving it.
The book cites an argument about abortion to illustrate the point. But that argument is full of confusions about language. So it is arguably an example of an ‘apparent’ inconsistency, not a real one.
Yes it may be the case that people do shout at each other and accuse each other of inconsistency in the (unproductive) heat of arguments; but that is hardly a (rational) justification for accepting inconsistency. Indeed some versions of Natural Law ethics are predicated upon striving to remove inconsistencies in ethical reasoning, so the implication of the book is to reject a specific model of ethics without giving any argument or justification for doing so.
Another chapter which leaves issues unresolved is chapter 6, on rewards and punishments. The book makes the point that they ‘work.’ Teachers use them successfully in schools and so they can be applied to almost any walk of life.
This is so, but their use also gives rise to ethical issues about ‘manipulation,’ which the book does not raise or deal with.
On balance, I think this book would have worked better if it had focused on 5 issues, rather than 10, and provided a more detailed discussion for each of the points it focused on.
I appreciated the short bibliography to follow-up points raised, but several of the books were very old. For example, chapter 1 refers to Eagly and Chaiken’s 1993 book on Attitudes. But there are more recent (and more up to date) books on Attitudes which the author could have helpfully cited and recommended to readers.
May 31, 2019
Instead of 10 Interesting Things about Human Behavior perhaps this should have been called 10 well known things about human behavior or 10 stupid human tricks. In all honesty, I feel like any reasonably educated person should know all of these things about human behavior. I mean, I have almost no training in psychology (one 101 class in college doesn't count for much), but I have made an attempt at knowing basic facts about a lot of things, and none of these things surprised me. I mean one of her Interesting Things was that people on airplanes are rude. I mean, no shit shirlock? She suggests this is because crowds of people feel anonymous, but even that seems fairly well known. The other things listed were pretty much just as obvious, or if not obvious, they've been discussed to death elsewhere. Also the entire book including references was only 52 pages long, so I didn't even feel like I got a book. It was more like reading a webpage - maybe an obnoxiously long webpage, or one of those webpages that puts one fact per page and keeps you scrolling through pages (and looking at ads) for far longer than you thought you were going to - but a webpage nonetheless. It didn't have the detail that I associate with books.
February 7, 2020
10 Interesting Things About Human Behavior is exactly what it says on the blurb - a short book about human behavior. This time, short also means pretty much devoid of content. It's a breeze to read through and there isn't much to the book to consider afterward. Nothing of what is described is surprising or monumental for anyone who has a basic understanding of human psychology. The ten short chapters feel like summary chapters pulled from a longer school book. They remain shallow and never go very in-depth.
The redeeming qualities are the reader-friendly language and the illustrious examples, grounded in everyday life. They help grasp the concepts briefly touched upon in the pages of the book, even for those who can't understand the basic concepts otherwise.
The redeeming qualities are the reader-friendly language and the illustrious examples, grounded in everyday life. They help grasp the concepts briefly touched upon in the pages of the book, even for those who can't understand the basic concepts otherwise.
August 9, 2019
A Quick Refresher
This was a nice, quick read, written in layman's terms. It covers the 10main psychology basics (principles of Skinner, Bandura etc.), and explains them in a simplistic way. This is a great free refresher for people who may have studied psychology a while back, or who are just discovering it. I was hoping for a little more, (hence 3 stars), as it veers toward the self-help style rather than giving a full explanation, but it was so quick to read I enjoyed the jogging of my memory of certain terms and studies!
This was a nice, quick read, written in layman's terms. It covers the 10main psychology basics (principles of Skinner, Bandura etc.), and explains them in a simplistic way. This is a great free refresher for people who may have studied psychology a while back, or who are just discovering it. I was hoping for a little more, (hence 3 stars), as it veers toward the self-help style rather than giving a full explanation, but it was so quick to read I enjoyed the jogging of my memory of certain terms and studies!
September 10, 2017
A quick read, this gives matter of fact explanations to the promised 10 interesting things. It brings up some good points, but I'm fairly certain the poor airport behavior can extend to any large group of people.
A bit disappointing that it's only 50% of the download, and the rest is a sample chapter of a fiction book.
A bit disappointing that it's only 50% of the download, and the rest is a sample chapter of a fiction book.
October 19, 2019
With all due respect to the PhD.
It feels to me like the author has simply gathered lecture notes and presented it as a book. Whether this was an attempt for self-help book, I do not know.The format didn't appeal to me, I found research support very weak, no critical input by the author hence didn't find the content interesting either.
It feels to me like the author has simply gathered lecture notes and presented it as a book. Whether this was an attempt for self-help book, I do not know.The format didn't appeal to me, I found research support very weak, no critical input by the author hence didn't find the content interesting either.
October 19, 2020
I got a free copy on Amazon, hooked by the title.
The first half of this very short book that is actually about Human Behavior is rather interesting and expressed in a very simple, easily understandable way, though is not breaking science.
Unfortunately the second half is nothing but an excerpt from a fictional work from the same author, hence the half disappointment with this title.
The first half of this very short book that is actually about Human Behavior is rather interesting and expressed in a very simple, easily understandable way, though is not breaking science.
Unfortunately the second half is nothing but an excerpt from a fictional work from the same author, hence the half disappointment with this title.
February 23, 2022
Nice and intriguing little ebook. However, it’s definitely a 3-stars book for me because I think each chapter could have been longer given the author’s background. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting booklet that makes you want to read more on the subject. It’s clear and on point, although some parts could serve out with more detailed explanations and details.
May 26, 2018
Thoughtful
Well worth a read, it won't take you long and is entertaining whilst being factual. It also has a variety of references which allow you to do more research if the mood takes you...great little ebook
Well worth a read, it won't take you long and is entertaining whilst being factual. It also has a variety of references which allow you to do more research if the mood takes you...great little ebook
September 4, 2020
Not much effective
Though the contect of the book is okay to read but this books more talks about the things about nature not summrises completely. In short, didn't find much informative. Sorry.
Though the contect of the book is okay to read but this books more talks about the things about nature not summrises completely. In short, didn't find much informative. Sorry.
March 1, 2022
Recommend
Recommend if you're interested in starting to learn about human behavior or learn how to be better. It felt like a starters book for me. Now I wanna know and learn more about human behavior.
Recommend if you're interested in starting to learn about human behavior or learn how to be better. It felt like a starters book for me. Now I wanna know and learn more about human behavior.
November 5, 2016
It was good but ended abruptly
Still recommend book because it's fascinating, you have to at least give it a try but don't leave a review unless you have time
Still recommend book because it's fascinating, you have to at least give it a try but don't leave a review unless you have time
November 7, 2017
This book can be read in 30 minutes. It tells you basic stuff, but its good to know the same stuff when some one with authority tells you.
February 12, 2018
Great read. I very much enjoyed it
I enjoyed all of it. Good for anyone looking to learn a little about the people around them. Easy to understand.
I enjoyed all of it. Good for anyone looking to learn a little about the people around them. Easy to understand.
May 9, 2018
Great read
Awesome book. Reading this book has me reevaluating things in my life to really see if I’ve looked at myself in the ways this book has described
Awesome book. Reading this book has me reevaluating things in my life to really see if I’ve looked at myself in the ways this book has described
September 1, 2018
The author has explained ten interesting things about human behaviour briefly and concisely.
November 3, 2019
I thjnk what I liked best is its brevity tbh. Plus the checking myself as I made judgements while reading it lol
December 1, 2019
Not very interesting
I found this to be very basic. Half the book was a sample chapter for another book. I wouldn't buy it.
I found this to be very basic. Half the book was a sample chapter for another book. I wouldn't buy it.
March 21, 2020
Quite an interesting read. This gives you a relatively similar spin to a recent book I read but gives great examples to everyday life.
April 9, 2021
Good entry advice for newbies about body language and behaviour
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews