Biological Psychology

Description

Blending classic scholarship with exciting new developments in the discipline, Biological Psychology offers a fresh perspective on the brain's interaction with its environment.

• A compelling storytelling approach makes the content accessible and exciting to students
• Behavioral neuroscience mysteries in "Brain Scene Investigation" features engage students at the beginning of each chapter
• "Laboratory Explorations" features integrate research techniques as a part of each chapter so that students can see how different methods apply to various types of research questions
• "Context Matters" features present detailed accounts of research studies in order to demonstrate the varying effects that contextual variables have on specific dependent variables
• Clinical applications provide real-life examples of the neurobiological processes and behaviors discussed in each chapter

About the Author(s)

Kelly G. Lambert, Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Richmond

Kelly Lambert is Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Richmond. She served as President of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society from 2009-2011. Dr. Lambert is the author of The Lab Rat Chronicles (2011) and Lifting Depression (2008) and coauthor of Clinical Neuroscience (OUP, 2010). Her popular writing has appeared in various publications including Scientific American and the New York Times, and her research articles have been published in journals such as Nature and Physiology and Behavior.

Table of Contents

PART I: THE BRAIN IN CONTEXT
1:Introduction to Biological Psychology
PART II: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS
2:The Nervous System: Structure and Function
3:Cells and Circuits
4:Neurochemistry, Neuropsychopharmacology, and Drug Addiction
5:Evolving Brains: Neural Development, Neuroplasticity, and Recovery of Function
PART III: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
6:Sensation, Perception, and Adaptation
7:Movement
8:Maintenance and Motivation
9:Sleep, Wakefulness, and Conscious Awareness
PART IV: NEUROBIOLOGY IN ACTION
10:Emotional Expression and Regulation
11:Affiliative and Reproductive Strategies
12:Learning, Memory, and Decision Making
13:Mental Illness
Epilogue: Expanding the Contextual Boundaries of Biopsychology

Reviews

"This is probably the most painless introduction to neuroanatomy I have seen. It reads like a narrative, with structures introduced in the context of their functions. I think this will make it much easier for students to grasp and remember the basic organization of the nervous system." - Martha Leah Chaiken-, Johnson State College & Hofstra University

"...the scholarship is not only current, but it is placed well in the historical context from which it emerged...It is up-to-date, and most importantly, takes a very empirical approach to introducing and evaluating important concepts in the field." - Michael Jarvinen, Emmanuel College

"Dr. Lambert accomplishes something that other textbooks are missing: closing the circle on how brain affects behavior and vice versa." - Susanne Brummelte, Wayne State University

"Students will learn more from this text than others based upon its style of case studies, anecdotes, and laboratory explorations that all integrate into clear concepts for the introductory level biopsychologist." - Lorenz S. Neuwirth, SUNY Old Westbury

"Something very refreshing about this book is its emphasis on cross-cultural research findings, which makes the book all the more appealing and applicable to a diverse range of students." - Neelam Rattan, San Jose State University

"I really like the storytelling style. The content is descriptive, engaging, and readable to students. As many students in the course are majoring in different fields, it's very important to use language that can entertain and engage them." - Guangying Wu, George Washington University

Additional Resources

Biological Psychology is accompanied by a range of online resources, including:

For lecturers
Downloadable PowerPoint presentations and images from the book, animations, chapter quizzes, a test bank, flashcards, and an instructor's manual.

For students
Chapter outlines, flashcards, and self-assessment quizzes.