The Psychology of the Simpsons D'oh!

by Brown, Alan S.; Logan, Chris

• ISBN13: 9781932100709
• ISBN10: 1932100709
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-08
• Publisher: Smart Pop

Summary

Psychologists turn their attention toThe Simpsons, one of America's most popular and beloved shows, in these essays that explore the functions and dysfunctions of the show's characters. Designed to appeal to both fans of the show and students of psychology, this unique blend of science and pop culture consists of essays by professional psychologists drawn from schools and clinical practices across the country. Each essay is designed to be accessible, thoughtful, and entertaining, while providing the reader with insights into bothThe Simpsonsand the latest in psychological thought. Every major area of psychology is coveredfrom clinical psychology and cognition to abnormal and evolutionary psychologywhile fresh views on eclectic show topics such as gambling addiction, pavlovian conditioning, family therapy, and lobotomies are explored.

Author Biography

Alan Brown, PhD, has been a professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University for the past 30 years. He has published more than 50 professional articles and four books in the area of human memory processes. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Table of Contents

The Family Simpson	1	(20)
Misty K. Hook, Ph.D.
For Better, or Worse?	21	(16)
Wind Goodfriend, Ph.D.
"Which One of Us Is Truly Crazy?"	37	(12)
Molly Snodgrass, M.A., and Irene Vlachos-Weber
Stupid Brain!	49	(16)
Nelson Cowan, Michael J. Kane, Andrew R.A. Conway and Alexander J. Ispa-Cowan
Homer's Soul	65	(10)
Paul Bloom and David Pizarro
Alcohol—The Cause of, and Solution to, All Life's Problems	75	(20)
Denis M. McCarthy
The Cafeteria Deep Fryer Is Not a Toy	95	(12)
Mike Byrne
"Righteousness and Relationships	107	(14)
Sally D. Stabb, Ph.D.
Self-Esteem in Springfield	121	(14)
Robert M. Arkin and Philip J. Mazzocco
Can Bart or Homer Learn?	135	(12)
W. Robert Batsell, Jr.
Sex and Gender in Springfield	147	(12)
Linda Heath, Ph.D., and Kathryn Brown
Hope Springs Parental	159	(14)
Karin H. Bruckner, M.A., L.P.C.
Looking for Mr. Smarty Pants	173	(14)
Frank C. Keil, Kristi L. Lockhart, Derek C. Keil, Dylan R. Keil and Martin F. Keil
The Personalities of The Simpsons	187	(14)
David A. Kenny and Deirdre T. Kenny
Lyle Lanley, you're My Hero!	201	(14)
Chris Logan
Springfield—How Not to Buy a Monorail	215	(14)
David A. Rettinger and James Rettinger
(a) None of the Below	229
Harris Cooper