Brain and Behavior: An Introduction to Biopsychology - Softcover

Garrett, Bob

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534365825 ISBN 13: 9780534365820

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Co Inc, 2003

Synopsis

The author adopts a reader-friendly writing style and excellent use of examples to present daunting material in a way students will find exciting instead of burdensome. The text focuses attention on behavior (in preference to physiological mechanisms) and practical human implications, which are reinforced with frequent examples and case studies that keep students engaged in the learning process. Technical details are limited where possible and retained with careful explanations where they enhance understanding. Topics often presented separately are now integrated with other subjects to provide for more meaningful and more interesting discussions. Integration of subjects include language with audition, taste with hunger, olfaction with sexual behavior, and (aspects of) pain with emotion. The more interesting psychological applications (e.g. drugs, sex, emotion) are introduced earlier than in other textbooks to engage the students before plunging into the more technical aspects of the subject. BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR: AN INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY comes packaged with a FREE BioPsych CD that allows students to connect directly to the Wadsworth Psychology Resource Center, work through the quiz items, and explore relevant Web links.

About this title

Review

"The author goes out of the way to write a difficult topic in an approachable format. I think students will actually enjoy reading the text because it includes a wealth of information that is important to their life. In addition, the text is easy to read and at times even produces a laugh." "The key strengths of the chapters involve the easy nature of the writing style, topics flow together very nicely, almost like reading a novel. I rarely found myself having to re-read a sentence or paragraph or losing touch with the topic being discussed. Also, the level is not so simple as to be boring yet not so detailed as to require excessive cognitive effort." "I like the introductory anecdote. I like the easy going, story-like, one-on-one writing style. I think the author tried to write to the students like the author is having a conversation with the student." " I see the author's writing style, which is very engaging, as a key strength. The use of case studies helps capture the reader's attention; and the integrative presentation of material is very refreshing."

About the Author

Bob Garrett was Professor of Psychology at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana for many years and has held numerous positions there, including Chairperson of the department, Faculty Development Coordinator, and Interim Dean for Academic Affairs. Currently, Bob is a visiting research scholar at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Bob received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington, and his M.A. and Ph.D. at Baylor University. His research interests include biofeedback and brain hemisphere functions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Co Inc
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0534365825
• ISBN 13: 9780534365820
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 480