Insights from Psychology Students

I've engaged with numerous psychology students embarking on their programming journeys—ranging from Python and R to JavaScript and MATLAB. Shockingly, 90% of them tend to quit early. Through these discussions, I've identified two primary reasons for their departure:

1. It’s Challenging
2. It’s Uninspiring

One student expressed, "Learning Python feels tedious, and I struggle to grasp the importance of functions." Despite working in a neuroscience lab, she found herself overwhelmed and disinterested in the code.

Another student shared a different perspective: "I don’t find it boring, but it’s definitely hard." She was intimidated by the perceived mathematical demands of programming, which colored her learning experience.

These examples reflect a common trend: many learners mistakenly believe that simply enrolling in a course or watching videos will suffice for mastery. This passive approach, lacking motivation and a clear context, often leads to early abandonment.

Motivational Questions to Consider

Here are some thought-provoking questions you might ask yourself:

• Why do I want to learn programming?
• What draws me to this specific programming language?
• What goals do I hope to achieve by becoming proficient in programming?

While the allure of high salaries often motivates individuals to learn programming, genuine interest and context are crucial for true mastery. Would you learn a foreign language simply because it’s trendy, or would you do so to enrich your travel experiences or career prospects?

The Importance of Context in Learning

Imagine learning mathematics solely through watching someone solve problems—likely, you would struggle to grasp the concepts fully. The same principle applies to programming. Many beginners start their journey by consuming YouTube content, feeling confident in their understanding. However, when it comes time to apply that knowledge in real projects, they often realize they lack the depth of understanding they thought they had.

To avoid this pitfall, start by answering the motivational questions above. Establishing context will clarify your reasons for learning programming. For instance, I pursued Python to conduct statistical analysis for my Bachelor's thesis, which made the learning process much more manageable.

The Significance of Practical Projects

Another significant barrier to learning programming is the hesitation to undertake coding projects. I understand that starting projects can be intimidating, but it’s essential for mastering programming skills.

Consider browsing YouTube or Medium for project ideas that resonate with you. Choose a project that interests you and dive in. This hands-on experience is invaluable. Learning a language, for example, requires active practice—simply taking courses won’t suffice. I’ve met individuals who became fluent by actively speaking the language daily.

Thus, here’s my best advice for beginners: create your own projects. If data analysis is your goal, find datasets related to topics you enjoy, such as sports, films, or wildlife, and analyze them.

Final Thoughts on Learning Programming

If you've ever felt that "programming is hard and boring," I hope this discussion sheds light on why many abandon their programming pursuits. Remember, while the journey may be challenging, consistency will lead to mastery. Always strive to learn within a meaningful context and engage in practical projects; these practices will significantly enhance your programming skills.

Thank you for reading! If you found this content helpful, please consider showing your support by clapping and following for more insights on neuroscience, psychology, productivity, animals, and programming!

Until next time,

Axel