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Brain & Behavior
An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience

Seventh Edition


February 2026 | 776 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Inspire students' curiosity about the power of the mind with Brain & Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience. Authors Bob Garrett and Gerald Hough present the ever-expanding research into the biological foundations of human behavior in a way that demystifies this complex and evolving field. Through thought-provoking examples, an accessible writing style, and a carefully designed, full-color visual program, the authors capture the excitement of scientific discovery while equipping students to succeed in a course often considered challenging. The Seventh Edition includes new research techniques, societal issues in pharmacology, a revised approach to understanding cognitive functioning, groundbreaking medical advances, and additional case studies, providing students with the tools to connect neuroscience concepts to real-world applications.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: What Is Behavioral Neuroscience?
The Origins of Behavioral Neuroscience

 
Nature and Nurture

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Part I: Neural Foundations of Behavior
 
Chapter 2: Communication Within the Nervous System
The Cells That Make Us Who We Are

 
How Neurons Communicate With Each Other

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 3: The Organization and Functions of the System
The Central Nervous System

 
The Peripheral Nervous System

 
Development and Change in the Nervous System

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 4: The Methods and Ethics of Research
Science, Research, and Theory

 
Research Techniques

 
Research Ethics

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Part II: Motivation and Emotion
 
Chapter 5: Drugs, Addiction, and Reward
Psychoactive Drugs

 
Addiction

 
The Role of Genes in Addiction

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 6: Motivation and the Regulation of Internal States
Motivation and Homeostasis

 
Hunger: A Complex Drive

 
Obesity

 
Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 7: The Biology of Sex and Gender
Sex as a Form of Motivation

 
The Biological Determination of Sex

 
Gender-Related Behavioral and Cognitive Differences

 
Biological Origins of Gender Identity

 
Sexual Orientation

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 8: Emotion and Health
Emotion and the Nervous System

 
Stress, Immunity, and Health

 
Biological Origins of Aggression

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Part III: Interacting With the World
 
Chapter 9: Hearing and Language
Hearing

 
Language

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 10: Vision and Visual Perception
Light and the Visual Apparatus

 
Color Vision

 
Form Vision

 
The Perception of Objects, Color, and Movement

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 11: The Body Senses and Movement
The Body Senses

 
Movement

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Part IV: Complex Behavior
 
Chapter 12: Learning and Memory
Learning as the Storage of Memories

 
Brain Changes in Learning

 
Learning Deficiencies and Disorders

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 13: Cognitive Functioning and Neurodiversity
Intelligence as the Convergence of Cognitive Functions

 
The Biological Origins of Cognitive Functioning

 
Variations in Cognitive Functioning

 
Cognitive Functions Across the Lifespan

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
Schizophrenia

 
Affective Disorders

 
Anxiety, Trauma, and Stress-Related Disorders

 
Personality Disorders

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Chapter 15: Sleep and Consciousness
Sleep and Dreaming

 
The Neural Bases of Consciousness

 
In Perspective

 
Chapter Summary

 
Study Resources

 
Key Terms

 
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index
Key features
NEW TO THIS EDITION:
  • The new edition is available in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
    • NEW! An AI Literacy module prepares students to engage confidently with today’s AI tools through an interactive, outcomes-focused experience—with minimal instructor lift and no course redesign required. Available exclusively in Sage Vantage and written by professors who teach and publish about AI, the AI Information Literacy, Academic Integrity, and Responsible AI Use module integrates video, data driven examples, applied activities, Knowledge Checks, and built-in assessments that help instructors track student understanding. Focused on strengthening critical thinking, the module teaches students how to evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and bias while developing responsible prompting strategies that support academic success without compromising students’ intellectual growth.
  • Coverage of the prehistory of neuroscience is now available in Chapter 1.
  • Expanded coverage of genetic research methods includes genome-wide association studies, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and bioinformatics.
  • The Research Methods chapter provides additional details on GWAS, SNPs, and the CRISPR methods, updates the description of the colorful staining method called “Brainbow,” adds coverage of stem cell treatments, and discusses the effects of increasing vaccine hesitancy.
  • Societal issues in pharmacology include addressing the fentanyl crisis, marijuana legalization, and the impact of COVID-19 on alcoholism and other conditions.
  • The Cognitive Functioning chapter has been modernized to reflect a shift from traditional IQ perspectives to a broader, inclusive view highlighting neurodivergence and specialized cognitive abilities.
  • The coverage of sensory systems features new information on restoring hearing using bone conduction and vision using materials from solar panels, demonstrating technological innovation in neuroscience.
  • An emphasis on real-world medical advances includes new treatments for spinal cord injuries, obesity (including GLP-1 drugs), and multiple sclerosis, connecting neuroscience concepts to patient care.
  • Updated pedagogy throughout the book includes over 35 new and updated features, numerous revised figures, and illustrative examples to strengthen the connection between neuroscience theory and everyday life.
KEY FEATURES:
  • An exciting and accessible writing style inspires a sense of discovery and makes complex concepts approachable for students taking their first course in neuroscience. Material is carefully scaffolded across chapters for easier understanding.
  • A hallmark art program includes images, figures, and illustrations that enhance core concepts and reflect cutting-edge, evidence-based research.
  • Chapter-opening learning objectives identify what students should be able to do after completing each reading.
  • Vignettes open each chapter to capture student interest in forthcoming content.
  • Concepts Checks throughout chapters prompt students to check their understanding of the most important ideas.
  • Chapter-ending "In Perspective" sections provide a personal touch from the authors to help students understand how the material relates to their own lives.
  • End-of-chapter study materials include chapter summaries, For Further Thought questions, Test Your Understanding quizzes, key terms, and resources for further exploration.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Ch1-2


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