This open textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the major concepts, theories and approaches in introductory psychology. It is authored by expert contributors and covers key topics in 14 chapters, including the origins of psychology, research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, personality, psychological disorders, therapies, and social psychology.
Recommended for:
- Students taking an introductory general psychology course
- Anyone interested in learning the core foundations of psychology as a social science
You will:
- Gain a foundational understanding of major theories and research in psychology
- Learn about topics such as cognitive processes, human development, and psychological disorders
- Be exposed to different methods used to study behaviors and mental processes scientifically
- Read concise yet comprehensive explanations of important concepts in clear, accessible language
Detailed Overview
This open textbook provides free access to an arranged introductory psychology textbook. It was created by compiling relevant chapters from modules in the Noba Project, which is a collection of expert-authored, open-licensed psychology lessons. The textbook is arranged into 14 chapters covering the breadth of topics typically included in a general psychology survey course.
Chapter 1 provides a history of the field of psychology, outlining how it emerged as a distinct scientific discipline. Chapter 2 discusses important considerations for designing, interpreting and evaluating different types of psychological research. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on basic biological influences, examining the brain/nervous system and hormones respectively. Chapters 5 and 6 cover core topics in behavioral and cognitive psychology, including learning, cognition and states of consciousness.
Chapters 7 through 10 expand into related areas, with chapters devoted to memory, motivation and emotion, lifespan development, and various aspects of cognition like intelligence, decision-making and language. Chapters 11 through 13 explore major theoretical approaches and classifications of psychopathology. The remaining chapters cover prominent psychotherapeutic orientations, pharmacological treatments, and applications of psychology to health and well-being.
Each chapter provides learning objectives, concise yet comprehensive summaries of key topics, examples and illustrations, and suggested further readings. The open licensing allows for free unlimited use, including downloading, copying and distributing copies of the textbook. Overall, it offers a solid foundation of seminal concepts, theories, research methods and findings central to the modern science of psychology.
Citation
Kearns, Tori and Lee, Deborah, “General Psychology: An Introduction” 2015. https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/psychology-textbooks/1
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