Scientists are in the business of trying to understand the world. Exploring commonplace phenomena, they have uncovered some of nature’s deepest laws. We can in turn apply these laws to our own lives, to better grasp and enhance our performance in daily activities as varied as cooking, home improvement, sports—even dunking a doughnut! This book makes the science of the familiar a key to opening the door for those who want to know what scientists do, why they do it, and how they go about it. Following the routine of a normal day, from coffee and breakfast to shopping, household chores, sports, a drink, supper, and a bath, we see how the seemingly mundane can provide insight into the most profound scientific questions. Some of the topics included are the art and science of dunking; how to boil an egg; how to tally a supermarket bill; the science behind hand tools; catching a ball or throwing a boomerang; the secrets of haute cuisine, bath (or beer) foam; and the physics of sex. Fisher writes with great authority and a light touch, giving us an entertaining and accessible look at the science behind our daily activities.

""The Science of Everyday Life"" unveils the hidden scientific phenomena shaping our daily experiences, offering readers a captivating journey through the chemistry of food, physics of technology, and environmental science of weather patterns. This engaging book transforms ordinary occurrences into extraordinary discoveries, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy for everyone. The book's unique approach combines historical context with modern breakthroughs, guiding readers through a progressive exploration of scientific concepts. It strikes a balance between academic rigor and accessibility, using analogies and clear explanations to make complex ideas understandable. What sets this book apart is its hands-on approach, featuring simple experiments readers can conduct at home to directly observe scientific principles in action. As the chapters unfold, readers gain insights into the chemistry behind coffee's enticing aroma, the electromagnetic waves enabling wireless communication, and the intricate factors creating weather patterns. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ""The Science of Everyday Life"" empowers readers to make informed decisions and develop a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary science underlying our ordinary world.

A fascinating and accessible guide to chemistry and physics using the everyday objects around us.

First published in 1921, The Psychology of Everyday Life covers the major portion of the field known as modern psychology. In this work the author has attempted to give such knowledge of modern psychology to enable the person in the street to take an intelligent interest in the psychological problems and discussions of the day. Today it can be read in its historical context. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1921. The language used is a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

Psychological Testing in Everyday Life explores how psychological testing is used in real-life settings to make the study of psychometrics interesting, relevant, and highly accessible. Author Karen B. Goldfinger examines a broad range of carefully selected topics to capture student interest, encourage critical thinking, and spark class discussions. Organized in the form of an applied casebook, each chapter presents the complex issues that arise when using psychological tests in a variety of settings, providing an in-depth view of psychological testing practices, historically and in the present. This unique text will support students in becoming thoughtful, informed consumers and providers of psychological assessment.

This is timely new book examines the generally accepted understanding of the theory and practice of mental health. Drawing on historical and contemporary practices, it critically explores the concept of mental illness and how it is treated, the integration of health and social care, and providing a person-centred approach. As well as tackling more general aspects, such as how we categorise mental health and the contemporary practice around medication and treatment alternatives, it also focusses on specific areas currently labelled 'mental illness', including depression, anxiety, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Final chapters address the evidence for the effectiveness of psychopharmacology and the place of placebos in research and treatment, the importance of cultural sensitivity in a globalised world and the possibilities for the future practice in mental health services. The importance of non-medical alternative therapies and the incorporation of consumer perspectives in mental health service practice are highlighted throughout as a means of strengthening the experience of mental health service delivery for mental health professionals and consumers. Whether a student on a mental health nursing course, a social work student focussing on mental health, or a practitioner in the medical and allied health professions, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants a greater understanding of the theory and practice of mental health.

Michel de Certeau considers the uses to which social representation and modes of social behavior are put by individuals and groups, describing the tactics available to the common man for reclaiming his own autonomy from the all-pervasive forces of commerce, politics, and culture. In exploring the public meaning of ingeniously defended private meanings, de Certeau draws on an immense theoretical literature in analytic philosophy, linguistics, sociology, semiology, and anthropology--to speak of an apposite use of imaginative literature.

This collection of impassioned essays, published between 1973 and 2006, chronicles Thomas Szasz’s long campaign against the orthodoxies of “pharmacracy,” that is, the alliance of medicine and the state. From “Diagnoses Are Not Diseases” to “The Existential Identity Thief,” “Fatal Temptation,” and “Killing as Therapy,” the book delves into the complex evolution of medicalization, concluding with “Pharmacracy: The New Despotism.” In practice, society must draw a line between what counts as medical practice and what does not. Where it draws that line goes far in defining the kinds of laws its citizens live under, the kinds of medical care they receive, and the kinds of lives they are allowed to live.

Ben Highmore traces the development of conceptions of everyday life, from Georg Simmel's cultural sociology, through the Mass-Observation project of the thirties to theorists such as Michel Curteau.