Biopsychology (4th Edition)

Written in a friendly and engaging manner, Pinel's Biopsychology clearly presents the fundamentals of the study of the biology of behavior, but it makes the topics personally and socially relevant to the reader. The fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and includes references to the major recent developments in the rapidly changing field of biopsychology. New topics have been introduced, but Pinel's book continues the tradition that has made it a successful book: a strong emphasis on behavior, a beautiful and accurate illustration package, and the straight-forward and integrative presentation of material. The following four features aid in the retention of the material: bold-faced key terms with marginal definitions, study exercises within chapters, Food-for-Thought discussion questions at end of chapter, and helpful appendices. The true-life case of Professor P., found in Chapter 6, introduces the reader to the topic related to brain damage. Follow the case of Professor P. as he recognizes the symptoms of brain damage and correctly predicts the placement of his own brain tumor. Because of the personal style with which Pinel writes, the reader will likely (and correctly) guess that Professor P. is the author himself, John Pinel. Includes new or expanded coverage of dozens of topics, including: cognitive neuroscience, evolution, the human genome project, human brain scanning, genetic engineering, search of a Parkinson's gene, melatonin and sleep, functional brain imaging and language, and the diathesis-stress model. For anyone interested in the biological aspects of psychology.