Great Experiments in Psychology Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Rajlakshmi Guha
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 712 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 1 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking the Science of the Mind: A Course on Great Experiments in Psychology
Psychology captivates many, yet its true foundation—the rigorous scientific experiments that transformed it from philosophy into a respected science—often remains shrouded in mystery. How did we come to understand memory, conformity, therapy, and individual differences? The answers lie in groundbreaking studies that challenged assumptions and revealed profound truths about human nature.
This is the core of the postgraduate course Great Experiments in Psychology, expertly led by Prof. Rajlakshmi Guha from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. This 4-week deep dive is designed for those who wish to move beyond popular understanding and grasp the empirical backbone of the discipline.
Your Instructor: Prof. Rajlakshmi Guha
Prof. Rajlakshmi Guha, an Assistant Professor in the Centre for Educational Technology at IIT Kharagpur, brings a wealth of knowledge and research expertise to this course. Holding a PhD in Psychology, her academic interests span a wide spectrum, including:
- Cognitive Psychology (Perception, Attention, Memory)
- Social Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Physiological Basis of Emotion
- Student Mental Health
This diverse background ensures the course covers experiments with nuance, connecting historical studies to contemporary research and real-world application.
Course Overview: A Journey Through Psychological Science
This is not just a history lesson. It's a masterclass in scientific thinking. The course aims to:
- Demystify Psychology's Scientific Evolution: Trace the journey of psychology's quest to establish itself as a rigorous science.
- Analyze Landmark Studies: Critically examine the experiments that defined sub-fields like cognitive, social, and clinical psychology.
- Master Experimental Design: Learn the principles and challenges of designing robust experiments with human participants.
- Develop a Scientific Lens: Cultivate the ability to evaluate psychological claims and research with a critical, evidence-based eye.
Detailed 4-Week Course Layout
| Week | Focus Area | Key Learning Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | History and Genesis of Psychology as a Science | Foundational shifts from introspection to experimentation. The birth of labs and the scientific method in psychology. |
| Week 2 | Classic Studies in Cognitive and Social Psychology | Experiments on memory, problem-solving, conformity, obedience, and social perception. Think Milgram, Asch, Loftus. |
| Week 3 | Famous Studies in Clinical and Health Psychology | Pioneering research on therapy effectiveness, conditioning of behavior, stress, and the mind-body connection. |
| Week 4 | Experiments in Individual Differences and Cultural Diversity | Studies on intelligence, personality, and how culture shapes cognition, emotion, and social behavior. |
Who Should Enroll and Industry Relevance
This course is ideally suited for postgraduate students in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Management, and related fields in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Professionals in HR, Organizational Development, Marketing, and User Experience design will also find immense value in understanding the core experiments that explain human behavior.
Industry Support: Any organization that manages people—be it employees, customers, or users—relies on understanding human behavior. This course provides the scientific foundation for that understanding, making it valuable for companies aiming to improve training, leadership, team dynamics, customer insights, and overall organizational health.
Embark on a Journey of Discovery
The Great Experiments in Psychology course offers a unique opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants. By dissecting the studies that built the field, you will gain not just knowledge, but a powerful framework for thinking scientifically about human thought, emotion, and action. Under the guidance of Prof. Rajlakshmi Guha, you will explore the fascinating experiments that continue to shape our world.
Enroll Now →