Psychology

by Butler, Gillian; McManus, Freda

• ISBN13: 9780192853813
• ISBN10: 0192853813
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Psychology is part of everyone's experience: it influences the way we think about everything from education and intelligence to relationships and emotions, advertising, and criminality. People readily behave as amateur psychologists, offering explanations for what we think, feel, and do. But what exactly are psychologists trying to help us understand? What scientific grounding do they have for their approach? In Psychology: A Very Short Introduction, Dr. Gillian Butler and Dr. Freda McManus provide an understanding of some of psychology's leading ideas and their practical relevance. The authors answer some of the most frequently asked questions about psychology including: What is psychology? How do we use what is in the mind? How does psychology work? How do we influence each other? What can or can't a psychologist do for you? Psychology is a large part of our everyday experience, and this elemental guide is a stimulating introduction for anyone interested in understanding the human mind. About the series: The Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects from Buddhism to Literary Theory. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each book in the series provides trenchant, provocative, yet balanced discussions on the central issues of the field, gives a readable historical account of the subject, and demonstrates how each particular area of study has developed and shaped society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering readers an affordable, accessible, and complete reference library. Stimulating and lively, the Very Short Introductions are indispensable guides and essential reading for anyone interested in the development of these influential fields.

Table of Contents

What are psychologists trying to do?

Perception: What gets into the mind? What are the raw data?

Learning and Memory: What stays in the mind?

Thinking, Reasoning, and Communicating: How do we use what is in the mind?

Emotion and Motivation: Where does the impetus come from?

Development: is there a set pattern?

Personality and individual differences: can we categorise people?

Individuals in social context: how does the group influence the individual?

Distress and disorder: what happens when things go wrong?

What psychologists can do for you: how can we use psychology today?

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