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Psychology
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Psychology
Six Perspectives



May 2007 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"Dodge Fernald writes an interesting, easy-to-read book for students. Each perspective covers the historical underpinnings of psychology, ending with current models and viewpoints as well as comments and critiques of the perspective. That's important and will help the next generation of scholars in psychology to appreciate alternative views. Nice book!"
Joseph R. Ferrari, Ph.D, Vincent de Paul Distinguished Professor, DePaul University

Addressing six perspectives, this textbook offers the framework for a conceptual understanding of modern psychology. Psychology: Six Perspectives shows students a measure of unity and continuity within this fragmented field by briefly and coherently discussing six primary perspectives that have arisen: biological, psychoanalytical, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, and evolutionary. Author L. Dodge Fernald provides coherence by presenting these perspectives in successive historical order, offering students a broad, retrospective account of psychology.

Key Features

  • Portrays the fundamental dimensions of this multifaceted field: The similarities and differences among basic concepts, theories, research, and practice of each perspective are examined.
  • Employs both a scientific mode of communication as well as a narrative thread: The real-life narrative of a lonely, stout-hearted social worker unfolds gently throughout the text, illustrating in turn each of the perspectives.
  • Stimulates critical thinking and class discussion: Opportunities for critical evaluation and everyday application provide students with a context for extending their understanding of and investigation into psychology.

Intended Audience

This core textbook or supplementary text is designed for undergraduate courses in general psychology, ranging from special sections of introductory psychology to the capstone course or senior seminar, including the history and systems of psychology.

 


 
1. An Emerging Science
The Founding of Psychology

 
The Work of Psychology

 
Scope of Modern Psychology

 
 
2. Research Methods
The Research Challenge

 
Experimental Methods

 
Descriptive Methods

 
Analysis of the Data

 
 
3. Biological Psychology
Origins of Biological Psychology

 
The Nervous System

 
Organization of the Brain

 
The Cerebral Cortex

 
Modern Biomedical Therapy

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
4. Psychoanalysis
Background of Psychoanalysis

 
Structure of Personality

 
Development of Personality

 
Expressions of the Unconscious

 
Psychoanalysis as a Therapy

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
5. Behaviorism
Beginnings of Behaviorism

 
Classical Conditioning

 
Operant Conditioning

 
Two-Factor Theory

 
Behavior Modification

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
6. Humanistic Psychology
Rise of Humanistic Psychology

 
Three Human Characteristics

 
Influence of Early Experience

 
Philosophical and Practical Issues

 
Person-Centered Therapy

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
7. Cognitive Psychology
Foundations of Cognitive Psychology

 
Sensation and Perception

 
Processes in Memory

 
Thought and Language

 
The Cognitive Therapies

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
8. Evolutionary Psychology
Roots of Evolutionary Psychology

 
Evolution of Sexual Behavior

 
Adaptations in Parenting

 
Dispositions in Group Living

 
Promoting Behavioral Change

 
Commentary and Critique

 
 
9. Socio-Cultural Foundations
The Inevitable Human Influence

 
Social Psychology

 
Psychology and Culture

 
 
10. Psychology and Society
Multiple Bases of Behavior

 
The Perspectives Revisited

 
Psychology in the Making

 

A very good resource-particulary for post grad

Dr Judith Butler
Social & General Studies Department, Cork Institute of Technology
September 25, 2012

excellent book to gain a good fundamental knowledge of the differing approaches

Teresa Johnson
Health, Social Care & Access Dept, Swindon College
September 6, 2012

Really good, easy to read - theoretical perspectives are well presented. will recommend to undergraduate social work students.

Mrs Ann Anka
Havering College of FE & HE, Havering College of Further and Higher Education
March 10, 2011

This is a very good back. If I had the time I would have added it to essential reading. Very good and easy to read.

Ms Lynette Lee-Messenger
Social Policy, Havering College of Further and Higher Education
October 12, 2010

Excellent overview of competing theoretical approaches.

Dr Lisa Osbeck
Psychology Dept, University of West Georgia
September 8, 2010
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