"[This book] opens a window into the process of psycholinguistics, pulling together classic and cutting-edge research from a number of different areas to provide an engaging and insightful introduction to the study of language processing. Psycholinguistics 101 is sure to hook students with its enthusiasm as it provides a clear introduction to the modern research in this field." Maria Polinsky, PhD Harvard University How is language represented in the brain? How do we understand ambiguous language? How carefully do we really listen to speakers? How is sign language similar to and different from spoken language? How does having expertise in multiple languages work? Answering these questions and more, Psycholinguistics 101 provides an introduction to how language is stored and processed by mind and brain. The study of psycholinguistics incorporates interdisciplinary research from psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and cognitive science. By understanding the processes that underlie language ability, we can help develop more effective ways to teach languages and understand differences in reading abilities. This book introduces the reader to the basic issues in psycholinguistic research, including its history and the methodologies typically employed in these studies. Key topics discussed include information flow, language representation, and sign language.

"This bookís great strength is the way it weaves psychology between events and trends in society. It shows that psychology isnít separate, watching through a one-way mirror, but that psychology and society are threads woven together in the same tapestry. Key theories and ëbig namesí fit into a story that makes sense, and become more human than legend... The writing style is clear and direct; I found myself looking forward to each chapter... [A] highly informative book that would benefit students, psychologists and aspiring psychologists." Dr. Francis Quinn, Robert Gordon University The Psychologist "This slim volume would be a wonderful accompaniment to a traditional text. This reviewer has taught history and theory of psychology for 24 years. In those years, many students have said -- at the end of the course -- 'I wish I had known this stuff at the beginning of my degree.' This volume would fill that need." R.E. Osborne, PhD, Texas State University CHOICE "In this engaging and highly readable book, Devonis gives readers a 'usable past' ñ an account of key themes and issues that shaped modern American psychology. Much more than a straightforward chronicle of intellectual antecedents, History of Psychology 101 situates the field in a wider social and historical context. The book will appeal to both experienced psychologists and those new to the field ñ highly recommended." Ian Nicholson, PhD St. Thomas University "The author is very knowledgeable of the history of psychology and is uniquely qualified to prepare this book. Dave Devonis has extensive experience teaching students, which is apparent with the way he wrote this book to enhance learning and understanding." Laura Koppes Bryan, PhD University of Baltimore Spanning the modern development of psychological science and practice-the era most relevant to today's psychologists-this concise overview of psychology's history focuses on how the field has striven to make a positive impact on society and the individuals within it. It not only examines, decade by decade, the key developments in psychology, but goes beyond the usual "schools and systems" approach to illuminate not just how psychological theories developed but how they have been applied and practiced. The text is unique in its focus on connecting the historical development of psychology to present concerns in the field, thus making the information more relevant to today's student. Woven throughout the book is thread of optimism regarding the value of psychological ideas for the betterment of humanity. The book considers how psychology has informed-and been influenced by-social and cultural concerns of the past century. Each chapter highlights a theme that typified the science and practice of psychology in a particular era, along with a "historical centerpiece," an examination of an exemplary psychologist or psychological work that typified the field's development during that time period. Key Features: Presents a concise, accessible overview of the modern history of psychology Goes beyond the usual "schools and systems" approach to focus on how psychological theories were developed, applied, and practiced Demonstrates how the field of psychology has endeavored to make a positive impact on society and individuals Focuses on making historical information relevant to psychological practice today Embeds psychology in the social and cultural milieu of each era

ìAt long last, a readable, accessible, user friendly introduction to evolutionary psychology written by a rising star in the field. This book, filled with a broad array of fascinating topics, is bound to further whet the appetite of a growing number of students who have been inspired by this provocative, yet eminently testable approach to human behavior.î Gordon G. Gallup Jr., PhD University at Albany "A frolicking, down-to-earth, and informative introduction to the ever evolving and controversial field of evolutionary psychology." Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD Author, Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined ìGlenn Geher has created a text that is both comprehensive in coverage and scope and very accessible. It should be a welcome addition to the field that serves to further individuals' understanding of Evolutionary Psychology.î T. Joel Wade, PhD Professor and Chair of Psychology, Bucknell University This is a concise and student-friendly survey of the burgeoning field of evolutionary psychology (EP) and the controversies that surround it. Evolutionary psychology is an approach to studying human behavior that is rooted in modern evolutionary theory. Firmly grounded in the theoretical and research literature of EP, the book addresses the core theories, approaches, applications, and current findings that comprise this discipline. It is unique in its interdisciplinary focus, which encompasses EPís impact on both psychological and non-psychological disciplines. Written by an eminent evolutionary psychologist who is President of the Northeastern Evolutionary Psychology Society, the text examines psychological processes that lead to human survival and those that may lead to reproductive benefitsósometimes even at a cost to survival. It cites a rich body of literature that provides insights into the role of sexual selection in shaping the human mind. The text presents current research on such important domains of EP as childhood, courtship, intrasexual competition, sex, pair-bonding, parenting, familial relations, non-familial relations, aggression, and altruism. Considering the potential of EP to mitigate some of our greatest social problems, the text examines the ways in which EP can be applied to society and religion. It also offers a thoughtful, balanced approach to such controversies in EP as the issues of genetic determinism, racism, and sexism. Key Features: Provides a broad survey one of the most recent, widely researched, and controversial fields to emerge in psychology over the past 20 years Written by an eminent evolutionary psychologist who is President of the Northeastern Evolutionary Psychology Society Presents EP concepts in an accessible, student-friendly way Offers a unique interdisciplinary focus that addresses the impact of EP on both psychological and non-psychological disciplines Emphasizes controversies within the field of evolutionary psychology and includes critiques of EP from people outside this discipline

This is a concise, engaging overview of forensic psychology, spanning its origins as a discipline through the many varied opportunities for employment today. In easy-to-understand language, the book describes federal and state legal systems as they interface with psychological constructs, and presents several chapters focusing on specific areas of the discipline, from criminal matters and ethical issues to family court and juvenile justice. The roles of the forensic psychologist and attorney in court proceedings are addressed and clarified, and landmark cases are highlighted to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists can influence the law. The book provides a legal foundation that forensic psychologists need to succeed in the profession, and highlights the methodological and assessment tools needed to evaluate clients and other individuals. Fascinating case studies—presented as “briefs” to highlight important facts and issues— and commentary by nationally renowned forensic psychologists and attorneys bring concepts to life, and call-out boxes are interspersed throughout describing relevant current events and profiling day-to-day work in the field. Chapter overviews, summaries, and discussion questions reinforce the book’s content. Key Features: Delivers a realistic overview of what it is like to be a forensic psychologist Helps students to make informed career choices by highlighting different areas of practice Introduces students to key legal information they need to succeed in the field Highlights the methodological and assessment tools to evaluate clients and validate scientific credibility of the field Describes actual cases rulings to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists influence the law Authored by an individual who is an attorney, a former law school professor, and a current PhD associate professor of forensic psychology

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Does happiness matter? What are happy people like? Can people enhance their sense of well-being? One of the most important movements in psychology during the past two decades, positive psychology is a discipline that seeks to understand the factors that contribute the most to a well lived and fulfilling life. Written by a highly respected scholar and educator of positive psychology, this is a concise, accessible introduction to this popular field of study. Appropriate for anyone seeking an introduction to positive psychology and an ideal brief text for relevant college courses, this book surveys the origins and current state of what is known about this evolving field. It places a particular emphasis on well-being as the leading edge of positive psychology research and practice. The text encompasses the key theories and current research supporting positive psychology, and discusses its three ìpillarsî: subjective well-being and positive emotions, psychological traits, and positive institutions. It introduces the foundational concepts underlying positive psychology and describes the specific strengths and virtues upon which it focuses. Woven throughout is the premise that gratitude matters to oneís happiness. The heart of the book explores such major questions as: What is happiness? How do oneís circumstances impact happiness? What are the traits of well-being? Are relationships important to happiness? With a nod to the expanding parameters of human interactions today, the text examines the impact of electronic relationships on well-being. It also discusses and responds to the most significant criticisms of the positive psychology movement and helps readers to understand how the science of positive psychology can enhance their own well-being. Insights into the past and future of positive psychology conclude this thoughtful text. Key Features: Addresses the origins and major tenets of positive psychology Provides a concise and accessible introduction ideal for college courses and seminars Emphasizes well-being as the leading edge of positive psychology research and practice Helps readers understand how positive psychology can help them enhance their own well-being Written by a noted scholar and educator of positive psychology

Provides an interdisciplinary overview and critical examination of how individuals are affected by mass media There are few areas of modern social science that are as fiercely debated as media psychology. Written by one of the foremost experts on the topic, this is a concise overview of what is knownóand not knownóabout how individuals are affected by and interact with various forms of mass media. The book critically examines research from cognitive, social, developmental, biological, and evolutionary approaches to psychology and addresses the interplay between media consumption and viewer behavior in such realms as advertising, body image, sex, and violence. Distinguished by its examination of research from a scientifically objective position, the book offers students not only current knowledge of media psychology but also the tools to challenge commonly held assumptions from popular advocacy and ideology. This text cuts across different psychological approaches to studying how individuals are affected by mass media and includes research from criminal justice and sociology. It considers critical debates in media psychology and how debates in science themselves can be influenced by processes such as ìmoral panic.î Written in a lively, accessible manner, the book draws upon engaging examples such as Photoshopped model controversies, dubious advertising practices, and attempts to blame violent crimes on media to illustrate scholarly principles. Throughout, data from research studies is related back toreal-world phenomena such as violence rates, advertising dollars spent, or changes in the news media. Written for upper level undergraduate and graduate students studying media psychology, the text will also be of value to professionals in psychology, sociology and criminal justice as well as individuals involved in public policy as it relates to media effects. Key Features: Offers an objective, interdisciplinary approach to understanding media and behavior Draws from cognitive, social, developmental, and biological psychology, as well as criminal justice research and sociology Challenges the conclusions drawn from research to foster critical thinking Written in a lively, accessible writing style with engaging examples grounded in research About the Author Christopher J. Ferguson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and department chair of psychology at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. He has done extensive research on the effects of media in realms ranging from video game and television violence effects, to body image to advertising effects. He has also examined how methodological issues, researcher expectancies and questionable researcher practices, and societal pressures and incentives can create false positives in media psychology. Clinically, he has done extensive work with criminal justice populations including juvenile offenders, adult inmates and child protective services. Aside from his academic work, Chris is the author of a mystery novel, Suicide Kings, which follows a young woman in Renaissance Florence investigating her motherís death. He has also published a number of short stories, mainly in speculative fiction. He lives near Orlando with his wife and young son.

ìThis latest installment in the Psych 101 series is a reader-friendly discussion of one of the most common mental health disorders -- depression. With the advent of the DSM-5, this book is not only timely, but it also provides a life-span approach to understanding depression.î--Doody's Medical Reviews Depression, often referred to as the ìcommon cold of psychopathology,î is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, yet it remains challenging to understand and treat. Depression 101 provides a reader-friendly overview of unipolar and bilpolar depression and provides the most current and intriguing scientific knowledge on this topic. Unique in its transdisciplinary and lifespan approaches to depression, the text explicitly integrates models of depression across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Depression 101 establishes an organizational framework for understanding the multiple pathways that can lead to depression. It describes the fundamental distinctions between unipolar and bipolar disorders, and provides a model for understanding of mood disorders on a continuum of severity. The text illuminates how such major psychology disciplines as clinical, developmental, evolutionary, personality, and behavioral neuroscience shed light on the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for the full spectrum of depressive disorders. Cultural and gender as variables are examined as is depression across the lifespan. Additionally the text clarifies common misconceptions about depression and mood disorders, and considers how the recently-released DSM-5 affects diagnostic practice. Key Features: Provides an accessible reader-friendly overview of depression and related mood disorders Explores cutting edge research on psychology from across a wide range of psychological disciplines Takes a lifespan approach, viewing depression as it affects people at all ages of development Clarifies common misconceptions about depression and other mood disorders Reviews causes, risk factors, and treatment options for the full spectrum of depressive disorders Updated to reflect changes in diagnosis as provided in DSM-5

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The Psych 101 eBook Sampler is a collection of excerpts (including all introductory pages and the first chapter) from each of the books in the Psych 101 series. This series offers short, reader-friendly introductions to cutting-edge topics in psychology. With key concepts, controversial topics, and fascinating accounts of up-to-the-minute research, it is an invaluable resource for all students of psychology and anyone interested in the field. The sampler includes excerpts from all the Psych 101 books, including: Giftedness 101 Personality 101 Emotional Intelligence Obesity 101 Humor 101 Psycholinguistics 101 Anxiety 101 Leadership 101 IQ Testing 101 Creativity 101 Genius 101