Psychology An Introduction Fifth Edition

[Grimarlon Varner]

Psychology: An introduction is a comprehensive first-year psychology textbook written for South African students. Interest is engaged through narrative introductions, research findings and relevant case studies, giving students the tools to develop their own ideas and to engage critically with the content. The fifth edition engages more reflectively on the discipline with a greater focus on developing a decolonial and African-centred psychology, thus supporting universities with the transformation of curricula.

Features

• More content on the role of race and gender and the current state of the discipline in Chapter 1: Finding out about people.
• New sections on indigenous and decolonial research methods and on methodological flexibility in Chapter 2: Research methods.
• Inclusion of the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) in Chapter 6: Personality assessment.
• A section on phenomenological approaches to sensation and perception in Chapter 8: Sensation and perception.
• A section on critical, decolonising and de-individualising perspectives to learning in Chapter 9: Learning and conditioning.
• A section on a decolonial view of memory in Chapter 13: Memory.
• A significantly expanded and updated Chapter 15: Intelligence - including more on psychological testing in South Africa and a critique of intelligence testing.
• The incorporation of African psychologies of men in Chapter 19: Sex, gender and sexuality.
• A substantially revised Chapter 22: Substance use safety.
• A section on pandemics and mental health in Chapter 23: Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, TB, parasites and pandemics.
• Sections on contemporary and emerging frameworks and critical approaches to psychopathology in Chapter 24: Psychopathology.
• Updated referenced content throughout the book to reflect the latest research in psychology, with a focus on South African research.

The specification in this catalogue, including without limitation price, format, extent, number of illustrations, and month of publication, was as accurate as possible at the time the catalogue was compiled. Due to contractual restrictions, we reserve the right not to supply certain territories.

The Introductory Psychology exam covers material that is usually taught in a one-semester undergraduate introductory course in psychology. It stresses basic facts, concepts, and generally accepted principles in history; approaches and methods of psychology; biological bases of behavior, sensation, and perception; states of consciousness; learning; cognition; motivation and emotion; personality; psychological disorders and treatment; social psychology; and statistics, tests, and measurements.

The questions on the CLEP Introductory Psychology exam adhere to the terminology, criteria, and classifications referred to in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Note: Each institution reserves the right to set its own credit-granting policy, which may differ from the American Council on Education (ACE). Contact your college to find out the score required for credit and the number of credit hours granted.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical concepts, methods, and tools. Topics to be covered include basic terminology, measurement, data description, probability, hypothesis testing, and inferential tests (parametric and non-parametric). May be used for Sociology credit. Prerequisite: MTH 1110 or higher, with a grade of C or above.

Advanced quantitative methods in psychology. Topics include linear regression, analysis of variance, non-parametric techniques, estimation procedures, individual and multiple comparisons, and experimental design. Prerequisite: PSY 3301.

A study of how sensory information helps both the human species and other animals to thrive. Exploration of the senses including their physiological makeup, development and functioning. Theoretical and empirical foundations of perception and the applications of perceptual knowledge are emphasized. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology and sophomore standing or above.

An introduction to the design, analysis, and interpretation of behavioral research, including strategies for reviewing scientific literature and organizing a research report. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and PSY 3301.

This course is a theoretical and empirical analysis of how culture is connected to human behavior. Global cultural differences and perspectives will be discussed including research studies, theory, and comparative analyses (i.e. Eastern vs. Western comparative analyses). Discussions will include human behavior across different countries, the evolution of culture, self and personality, mental and physical health, and living in multicultural worlds. Diversity topics will cover such issues as gender, ethnicity, classism, disability, worldviews, and role constructions. Diversity discussions will include stereotypes, biases, ageism, ableism, and gender role development. Sexual orientation and evolving cultural laws will be examined.

This course examines the advantages and techniques of mixing quantitative research methods in order to answer scientific questions within the field of psychology and other related fields. By learning how to integrate qualitative methodologies, when appropriate, students should gain an understanding that research should be guided by the questions we want to answer and not limited by the methodologies we prefer. Students will learn techniques for collecting, analyzing, integrating, interpreting, and reporting data from mixed methods research. Prerequisites: PSY 3301.

This course introduces the student to ethical practices in psychology by focusing on the underlying principles of the 80+ standards of the APA Ethics Code. The course begins by covering the basics of the APA Ethics Code, including a brief history and an overview of general concepts. Next, it explores the four ethical concepts applicable to all psychologists: competence, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, avoiding harm and exploitation. Finally, it relates these key concepts to specific situations, including assessment, treatment, research and publication, and teaching and supervision.

A study of theories, research, etiology, assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders first seen in childhood or adolescence as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Includes such disorders as ADHD, conduct problems, anxiety, mood, mental retardation, and autism.

An in-depth study of violence in families, including spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, relationship dynamics, protection services, treatment programs, legal defense strategies, and current legislation. Note: May be taken for psychology or sociology credit, but not both.

Introduction to learning and behavior in human and nonhuman animals, including fundamental principles and findings from laboratory investigations of classical, instrumental, cognitive, and social learning.

This course provides a study of measurement and evaluation techniques for the classroom teacher. Emphasis will be placed on the selection, evaluation, administration, scoring and interpretation of selected measures of student performance, achievement and behavior. The student will demonstrate skills in utilizing measurement data to plan appropriate learning activities for students. Prerequisite: admission to TEP. Note: May not be used to meet the requirements for the psychology major or minor.

Forensic psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. This course will introduce students to the specialty area of forensic psychology. Particular emphasis will be on applied aspects of the field. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

Analysis of theoretical issues and research methods related to the interaction between people and machines and human performance. Topics include information processing theory, human control systems and displays, task simulation, perceptual and motor factors limiting human performance. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

Selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation and uses of tests of intelligence, proficiency, interests, personality, aptitude and social adjustment. Prerequisite: Additional three semester hours of psychology.

Overview of major counseling theories and techniques, interviewing, assessment, professional issues and ethics, and a review of research and practical problems. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

Various techniques for conducting scientific research in psychology will be discussed. Course objectives include designing and conducting an experiment as well as analyzing and reporting the results. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and PSY 3301.

Application of psychology in business and industry, including employee selection, performance appraisal, motivation, organizational psychology, consumer motivation, group structures, and personnel problems.

Study of physiological and psychological dynamics and resultant behavioral implications in use of alcohol and other drugs. Based on assessment of dynamics and behavior and application of diagnostic procedures using appropriate manuals and materials.

The physiological correlates of behavior will be examined, including such topics as neurotransmitters and hormones, drugs, and the biological roots of mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and an additional three semester hours of psychology.

This course provides an introduction to substance abuse counseling through studies of mind-altering substances; etiological theories of addiction; assessment interviewing and screening tests; individual, group, family, and other treatment options; relapse prevention; and community prevention programs.

Study of the development of psychology from its historical antecedents with special emphasis placed on contemporary schools and systems of psychological thought. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and Senior Status (90 semester hours of undergraduate courses).

c80f0f1006