Introduction to Psychology

Long considered a classic, this new twelfth edition of Introduction to Psychology continues in the tradition of the most respected introductory textbooks on the market by consistently and cohesively covering the most recent developments and established theories. This focus earns Introduction to Psychology a position as one of the most frequently adopted psychology textbooks in publishing history. The hallmark of Introduction to Psychology is its coherent and comprehensive coverage, which offers students an in-depth view into psychological study. The authors present an uncompromising approach that is still easily accessible to the modern day student. Stylistic clarity has always been one of the key features of this text. The twelfth edition has been strengthened in many ways, most obviously by: * integrating biological perspective at the end of each chapter with 'Biological Psychological Perspectives' * the addition of a new chapter on 'Individual Differences' which looks at issues of heritability and the nature-nurture debate * a revision of the chapter on 'Motivation' which now includes a section on sexual orientation A comprehensive teaching practice also accompanies the text. Features: * Thorough coverage of development is placed early in the text (Chapter 3) to capture students' interest. * A special feature at the end of each chapter integrates the continuing interaction of biological and psychological levels of analysis to assist students' understanding of these important relationships. * Critical Discussions are used to point out controversial issues or treat topics covered in the text in more detail, to give students an expanded view of psychology. * The authors integrate the coverage of gender and culture throughout the text which encourages students to explore sexual and cultural issues. New to this edition: * A new chapter on Individual Differences (12) takes an in-depth look at issues of heritability and the nature-nurture debate, particularly in areas of mental abilities and personalities, providing students with thorough coverage of a major issue in psychology. * The chapter on Motivation (10) has been thoroughly rewritten and updated. A new section on sexual orientation covers the most recent research on this topic and places it in the larger context of the nature-nurture explanations. * The book has been streamlined, now with 18 chapters and fewer pages than the previous edition. It has also been ambitiously revised and updated throughout with recent research to give students the most current survey of the field. * The coverage of biological perspectives has been strengthened with cutting-edge theory and research giving students additional material on contemporary issues. * Added coverage of health psychology reflects the growing interest in this field of research (Chapter 14).