Psychology Around Us

Book excerpt: This exciting new textbook for introductory psychology helps to open students’ minds to the idea that psychology is all around us. Authors RON COMER and LIZ GOULD encourage students to examine what they know about human behaviour and how they know it; and open them up to an appreciation of psychology outside of the classroom. Psychology Around Us helps students see the big picture by stressing the interconnected nature of psychological science. Almost every chapter within this first edition helps open students’ minds to comprehend the big picture with sections that highlight how the different fields of psychology are connected to each other and how they connect to everyday life. This text highlights human development, brain function, abnormal psychology, and the individual differences in each area as cut-across themes to demonstrate these connections. Also included are two-page art spreads to demonstrate exactly What Happens In The Brain When we engage in everyday activities such as eat pizza, study psychology, or listen to music. The art featured in these spreads have been created especially for Psychology Around Us by an award-winning artist with input from faculty on how it will contribute to teaching and learning. Features: Cut Across Connections - Almost every chapter helps students comprehend the big picture with sections that highlight how the different fields of psychology are connected to each other and how they connect to everyday life. What Happens in the Brain When…These two-page art spreads demonstrate exactly what happens in the brain when we engage in everyday activities such as eating pizza, studying psychology, or listening to music. Chapter Opening Vignettes - Every chapter begins with a vignette that shows the power of psychology in understanding a whole range of human behaviour. This theme is reinforced throughout the chapter, celebrating the extraordinary processes that make the everyday possible. Special topics on psychology around us - Each chapter highlights interesting news stories, current controversies in psychology, and relevant research findings that demonstrate psychology around us. The Practically Speaking box emphasizes the practical application of everyday psychology. Helpful study tools - Key Terms; Marginal Definitions; Marginal Notes; Chapter Summaries.