Psychology
Six Perspectives
- Dodge Fernald - Harvard University, USA
"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.
Presents a fantastic overview of different psychological perspectives in an easy to read and accessible way. This text goes beyond what most early year undergraduates will require, but the text remains accessible even to less experienced readers. I have asked our library to purchase ecopies of this book to be available to students and will promote its use on other modules. The only downside of the book is the price which stops this book being a core text
A very good resource-particulary for post grad
It gives our students the background and review they need.
Excellent overview of competing theoretical approaches.
The book is easy to read.
This text provides an in depth account of the six perspectives it covers providing the theories linked to the perspectives applying those theories to practice and also evaluating with a sound critique of each individual perspective. Some students valued this text more than others. With students stating that the most useful section was the perspectives critique.
Great, concise overview of virtually everything!
Really good, easy to read - theoretical perspectives are well presented. will recommend to undergraduate social work students.
A useful book for students who have a basic understanding of psychology.
It should form part of the indicative reading list.
Great book for the teacher or tutor with a lot of knowledge in the subject area. Too advanced for introductory students who have not studied psychology before. I personally found it very useful to help create lesson plans. Some of my students found it useful and were able for the text standard. My colleagues have purchased the book.
