Are the effects of hypnosis real or imagined? Is intelligence determined by nature or nurture? Will ordinary people perform acts of cruelty if ordered to do so by authority figures? Are anorexia and bulimia nervosa forms of depression? Why do some groups outscore others on IQ tests? Is there any real evidence of ESP? These are some of the questions that continued to generate fierce arguments among psychologists and excite considerable general interest in the 1980s and beyond. But where does the truth lie? Originally published in 1987, Facts, Fallacies and Frauds in Psychology looks closely at these six popular and controversial issues. In each case the central ideas are explained and research findings presented in such a way that readers can begin their own voyage of scientific discovery, develop a clearer, deeper understanding – and find out how psychologists really think. Reputations are assessed: fraud is unflinchingly exposed. This entertaining and provocative book will still fascinate the general reader and provide an excellent introduction for students of psychology. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1987. The language used is a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

How do we know right from wrong, good from bad, help from hindrance, and how can we judge the behaviour of others? Ethics are the rules and guidelines that we use to make such judgements. Often there are no clear answers, which make this subject both interesting and potentially frustrating. In this book, the authors offer readers the opportunity to develop and express their own opinions in relation to ethics in psychology. There are many psychological studies that appear to have been harmful or cruel to the people or animals that took part in them. For example, memory researchers carried out studies on a man who had no memory for over forty years, but because he had no memory he was never able to agree to the studies. Is this a reasonable thing to do to someone? Comparative psychologist Harry Harlow found that he could create severe and lasting distress in monkeys by keeping them in social isolation. Is this a reasonable thing to do even if we find out useful things about human distress? If you were able to use psychological techniques to break someone down so that they revealed information that was useful to your government, would you do it? If so, why? If not, why not? These ethical issues are not easy to resolve and the debates continue as we encounter new dilemmas. This book uses examples from psychological research to look at: key ethical issues ethical guidelines of psychologists socially sensitive research ethics in applied psychology the use of animals in research This book is essential reading for undergraduate and pre-undergraduate students of psychology and related subjects such as philosophy and social policy.

Psychology in Medicine focuses on the academic and applied discipline that involves the scientific study of mental functions and behaviors. This book stresses that the method of study known as surface learning, with its emphasis on rote-learning, will not work well in studying the behavioral sciences. Instead deep learning, with its emphasis on ideas and principles, is required. This text discusses the basic processes of psychology and general applications of psychology to medicine. Other topics include child development, Freud and emotional development, personal construct theory, and doctor-patient communication. The models of mental illness, neuropsychology, and mental retardation are also described. This publication is intended for psychologists, medical practitioners, and students researching on psychology and its factors.

The science behind claims of alien encounters and visions of ghosts can be even more fascinating than the sensationalist headlines. What leads some people to believe in the paranormal? Why might someone think they have been abducted by aliens? And is there any room for superstition in the modern world of science? Anomalistic Psychology - Provides a lively and thought-provoking introduction to the psychology underlying paranormal belief and experience. - Covers the latest psychological theories and experiments, and examines the science at the heart of the subject. - Uses a unique approach to apply different psychological perspectives – including clinical, developmental and cognitive approaches – to shed new light on the key debates. Whether you are a psychology student or simply curious about the paranormal, Anomalistic Psychology is the essential introduction to this contested and controversial field. Belief in the paranormal has been reported in every known society since the dawn of time – find out why.

Few regions of the planet have undergone such rapid social transition as the Arabian Gulf States. Psychological Well-Being in the Gulf States explores the implications of these rapid changes in terms of mental health and psychological well-being.

Psychology plays an increasingly important role in today's society. Its influence can be seen all around us - be it in the home, the workplace, the school or our private lives. A uniquely diverse discipline, it ranges from social psychology to biological aspects of behaviour, and from basic research to the applied professions. This Companion Encyclopedia covers all these main branches of psychological research and professional practice. The thematic arrangement is the result of the Editor's extensive research into syllabi, from which he distilled the 13 most frequently taught units. Students can consult and be referred to sections relating to their lecture programme, and can find lucid definitions of frequently used terms in the Glossary. Headings and sub-headings are clearly highlighted at the beginning of each chapter - ideal for quick reference. * Provides authoritative and in-depth reference material on all major branches of psychological research and professional practice * Contributors include many of the world's most eminent psychologists * Written in a lively style without assuming previous knowledge of the subject * Structured according to the core topics appearing most often as discrete modules in contemporary psychology courses * Detailed bibliographies, further reading sections, exhaustive index and glossary of technical terms * Containing 165 supporting illustrations

This text provides a "state-of-the-art" account of atypical (abnormal) and clinical psychology for undergraduate freshmen. It includes a large volume of research providing detailed accounts of the major theories and treatments for a range of psychological problems.

"This is an excellent textbook that should be compulsory reading for any undergraduate student of Social Psychology. Wendy Stainton Rogers has done a remarkable job of synthesising theories within these broad approaches. She has used her vast experience in distance learning to write a book that draws students in and has them reading, simply because the material is so very interesting. Although Stainton Rogers outlines the British Psychological Society’s requirements for an undergraduate course in Social Psychology at the beginning of the book, this textbook is relevant far beyond the context of the United Kingdom." Catriona Macleod, Professor of Psychology, Rhodes University, South Africa In the brave new world of Facebook and Twitter, our social, political and personal worlds are all profoundly changing. To be relevant to our lives today, Social Psychology needs to be transformed. This popular book has been radically revised to do just that. Extensively updated and expanded, this new edition contains a broad grounding in traditional experimental work and a thorough treatment of the different 'logics of inquiry' adopted for empirical research. The book also: Introduces two completely new chapters, one on relationships and another on prejudice Updates and reformulates all the other material, introducing chapters on quantitative and qualitative methods, critical psychology and values Includes a wide array of critical approaches - community, feminist, postcolonial, psychoanalytic social psychologies Addresses social psychology from an international perspective, drawing on work from Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America, New Zealand, Asia Includes section summaries, further reading, online resources and questions Showcases the work of a new and vibrant generation of social psychologists Covers the BPS recommendations for the social psychology syllabus The book breaks new ground in the topics it covers and in the innovative approach it takes to assessing them. For students and their teachers alike, the book brings a 'breath of fresh air', making it not just a valuable resource, but an intriguing and enjoyable read.

Key Studies in Psychology, 5th edition provides summaries of 40 key studies that have shaped the course of psychology, covering both the classic core studies and more recent contemporary studies. Concise, user-friendly and comprehensive, the new edition of this bestselling textbook is ideal for students of psychology at all levels. Before each summary, the Background/Context features put each study into a clear theoretical or practical context, and explain the aims, hypotheses, methods and design. After each summary, a full Evaluation is provided, focusing on major theoretical and methodological issues, subsequent reserach and applications and implications. Each summary is also followed by useful Exercise questions, to encourage the student to think critically about methodological, theoretical, and ethical features of the study. Full answers to all Exercise questions are also provided in an Appendix. All the classic core studies are covered, alongside a number of newer studies, which cover topics such as the effects of abortion on young women, adolescent's brains, anorexia nervosa, and nurses' understanding of the concept of care. These very recent studies are highly relevant to everyday life, making this text ideal for the study of Applied Psychology. Fully updated and modernised, this brand new edition of Key Studies in Psychology is essential reading for Psychology students at all levels.

How can psychologists explain strange experiences such as hallucinations or unusual beliefs in ghosts and angels? This compelling introduction aims to uncover how and why such beliefs occur, exploring explanations based on different psychological models, and evaluating the scientific basis of parapsychology and the challenges that researchers face.