The Psychology Book Author: Nigel Benson | Language: English | ISBN:
0756689708 | Format: PDF
The Psychology Book Description
Review
"[The Big Ideas Simply Explained books] are beautifully illustrated with shadow-like cartoons that break down even the most difficult concepts so they are easier to grasp. These step-by-step diagrams are an incredibly clever learning device to include, especially for visual learners." – Examiner.com
"This large, stylish book takes the reader on a quick tour through the history and discipline of psychology, with tiny bits of information and loads of design. The title gets it right: these are indeed big ideas (and also plenty of small ones), and the explanations are simplified and presented in a number of ways." – PsychCentral.com
- Series: Big Ideas Simply Explained
- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: DK (January 16, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0756689708
- ISBN-13: 978-0756689704
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8 x 1.2 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Somewhere between a textbook and a coffee table book, The Psychology Book is a surprisingly valuable. Initially drawn to the fun cover and positive reviews of The Philosophy Book, I decided to give this a shot and ordered a copy. My initial reaction was disappointment, it seemed a too textbooky. But as I read and skimmed further (it's a book that I suspect few will read cover to cover), I started to appreciate the helpful effectiveness of what the DK editors have done, allowing one to get important, core ideas quickly.
After presenting the philosophical roots of psychology (think the intersection of philosophy and phsyiology), the book is organized according to different psychological approaches or schools of thought such as behaviorism, psychotherapy, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. There is a timeline and brief history for each school followed by an encapsulated entries of key thinkers in that discipline. Here is where the design and editorial approach shines, as you can peruse the pages and find psychological thinkers who you may know little or nothing about and get the essence of what they focused on quickly. Each heading has a "capture the essence" quote which makes it easy to know whether you want to explore further. My one complaint is the book, just glancingly mention Irv Yalom, who is both a great writer and highly respected psychotherapist. If you haven't read or listened (I loved the audio version, which includes an interview with Yalom) to his master work, Love's Executioner: & Other Tales of Psychotherapy, I strongly recommend it and have given it as a gift many times.
The Psychology Book Preview
Link
Please Wait...