Includes bibliographic references and index

English

Introduction to psychology -- Neuroscience and behavior -- Sensation and perception -- Consciousness -- Learning -- Memory -- Cognition, language, and intelligence -- Motivation and emotion -- Lifespan development -- Personality -- Stress, coping, and well-being -- Psychological disorders and their treatments -- Social psychology.

This textbook presents a brief introduction to psychology. It provides the most basic facts and theories which seek to explain and understand human thought and behavior including such topics as personality, psychotherapy, learning, memory, interpersonal relationships, adjustment and biological influences. The intent is to help students to: gain knowledge which will contribute to understanding and performance in other courses as well as in day-to-day living; develop scientific attitudes thereby increasing their capacity for critically analyzing, interpreting and evaluating relevant problems inherent in social-cultural phenomena; understand the psychology of learning and apply methods which psychologists have found effective in the acquisition and retention of learned behavior; develop an understanding of physical and social growth and the most frequently encountered psychological problems of each stage of life; achieve a greater understanding and tolerance of themselves and others through an appreciation of individual differences; develop a better understanding of the area of behavior pathology and its treatment; appreciate the value of applied psychology; develop an understanding of the fundamentals of psychological testing and how certain tests may be of value in helping achieve important decisions; gain a better knowledge of the history and methodology of psychology and the interrelationship of psychology with the other sciences; and gain a better understanding of the ways in which social and cultural factors affect human behavior.

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