Psychological Science

Gazzaniga (Sage Center for the Study of the Mind, U. of California, Santa Barbara) et al. offer a textbook for students that introduces them to psychology by focusing on material they need to know at an introductory level. They aim to present material that is accessible, relevant, and interesting, and use a thematic approach that answers questions in contemporary scientific research around the world. They incorporate thinking in social, personality, and developmental psychology, as well as neuroscience, and contemporary approaches to understanding psychological disorders and their treatment. For this edition, they integrate new science-based learning features such as practice tests and critical thinking sections and a new presentation of visual information to encourage active learning. They also add questions for the end captions in chapters and an online homework system. Some material has been reduced for greater understanding, and more material has been added on gender, culture, and international issues, including discussion of the concept of transgender. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)