Brain and Behavior

Covers all the topics of a biological psychology course but with a chapter order that fosters student interest earlier than traditional formats while providing an improved sequence for learning

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Thoroughly updated this Second Edition engages students with its progressive and accessible content and useful pedagogy. Covering all the topics of a biological psychology course, yet following an atypical chapter order, the textbook fosters student interest earlier in the course than the traditional format and provides an improved sequence for learning. The integration of sensory material into behavioral contexts enhances student interest in topics they often regard as boring. The text includes two chapters not found in other biopsychology texts, on the biological bases of intelligence and consciousness. These discussions build on material from earlier chapters to make a final and convincing case for the power of biological psychology to explain human behavior.This text includes more than 500 new references, with 37% of them from 2004 and later. It expands on and combines the material on research techniques that was previously in the appendix with two topics from the first edition's introductory chapter, Science, Research, and Theory and Research Ethics, to form the new chapter The Methods and Ethics of Research.
This provides research methodology, the emphasis it deserves while giving the introductory chapter a sharper focus.This text contains more than 60 new illustrations, and 25 others were significantly revised to increase their informational and educational value. It presents new tables where there was a need to organize or summarize complex material. It incorporates thoroughly updated In the News and Application features with the most current information. It continues showcasing our rapidly increasing understanding of genetic influences on behaviour with discussions of numerous recent findings throughout the text, particularly in regard to obesity, hostility and aggression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, autism, and schizophrenia. It emphasizes the theme of the broader societal relevance of biopsychology, from ethical implications of stem cell research to the cost of addictions and disorders to new strategies for treating brain and spinal cord damage.Popular features retained from the previous edition, this text: contains an eye-catching four-colour interior design and extensive illustrative art program; covers intelligence and consciousness in their own separate chapters; explores drugs and addiction in a separate chapter; and, brings the focus on behaviour to the forefront.
For instance, Sensation and Perception are introduced in the context of behaviour (e.g., Ch. 9 Hearing & Language). This text also contains opening vignettes of real life topics that help to make the chapter content come alive. It gives 'Concept Checks' at the end of each main section within the chapter that are designed to assist the student in assessing their comprehension of that section. It offers marginal questions throughout the text to help keep students focused on the most important points in the chapters.It provides useful end-of- chapter pedagogy such as: 'In Perspective' sections followed by a summary of the key points in the chapter; 'For Further Thought' sections that require the student to think about and complete brief projects that will assist them in their understanding of the chapter content; and, 'Test Your Understanding' sections that appear at the end of every chapter help students assess their progress in learning the material presented. This feature contains short answer and multiple choice questions.
Ancillaries include: instructor's resource CD-ROM that contains a computerized test bank, PowerPoint slides, sample syllabi, and suggested in-class and homework assignments. The textbook also comes with a student study site that contains 14 animations of key biological phenomena, self-quizzes, key term flashcards, SAGE journal articles and web links with accompanying exercises.