Psycholinguistics 101

"[This book] opens a window into the process of psycholinguistics, pulling together classic and cutting-edge research from a number of different areas to provide an engaging and insightful introduction to the study of language processing. Psycholinguistics 101 is sure to hook students with its enthusiasm as it provides a clear introduction to the modern research in this field." Maria Polinsky, PhD Harvard University How is language represented in the brain? How do we understand ambiguous language? How carefully do we really listen to speakers? How is sign language similar to and different from spoken language? How does having expertise in multiple languages work? Answering these questions and more, Psycholinguistics 101 provides an introduction to how language is stored and processed by mind and brain. The study of psycholinguistics incorporates interdisciplinary research from psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and cognitive science. By understanding the processes that underlie language ability, we can help develop more effective ways to teach languages and understand differences in reading abilities. This book introduces the reader to the basic issues in psycholinguistic research, including its history and the methodologies typically employed in these studies. Key topics discussed include information flow, language representation, and sign language.

The Psych 101 eBook Sampler is a collection of excerpts (including all introductory pages and the first chapter) from each of the books in the Psych 101 series. This series offers short, reader-friendly introductions to cutting-edge topics in psychology. With key concepts, controversial topics, and fascinating accounts of up-to-the-minute research, it is an invaluable resource for all students of psychology and anyone interested in the field. The sampler includes excerpts from all the Psych 101 books, including: Giftedness 101 Personality 101 Emotional Intelligence Obesity 101 Humor 101 Psycholinguistics 101 Anxiety 101 Leadership 101 IQ Testing 101 Creativity 101 Genius 101

What drives people toward their goals? Does motivation come from outside the individual or from within? This is a concise, engaging overview of leading theories and the wide body of research about this core concept in psychology. It draws from a broad spectrum of psychological models and disciplines, and focuses on how various theories of motivation define and examine different motivational attributes, such as rewards and goals. An abundance of real life case examples from the authorís research and life experiences vividly illuminate how various models explain behavior and connect the study of motivation to our daily lives. An entertaining alternative to lengthy and expensive texts on the subject, Motivation 101 is unique in helping readers understand how each theory of motivationóbehavioral, neurobiological, attribution, and other models --views and defines a particular concept within each theory. For example, each modality views the concept of ìrewardî from a different perspective. The book is also distinguished by its multidisciplinary focus, whereby research is drawn not only from different domains of psychology but also from such disciplines as education and business. Additionally, the text considers cultural differences in the study of motivation and collaborative environments, and addresses changing research methodologies. It will be an engaging introduction to the study of motivation for undergraduate courses in psychology and education. Key Features: Provides a concise, engaging overview of motivation that encompasses leading theories and a broad body of research Compares and contrasts different motivation theories including needs-based and cognitive models Draws from research across a wide range of domains within psychology, education, and business Connects the study of motivation to our daily lives through illustrative vignettes and metaphors

What is creativity? How does it work? How does it flourish in individuals and organizations? Now in its second edition, this bestselling introductory text--written by one of the world's leading experts on the psychology of creativity--is completely updated and expanded to reflect the tremendous growth in this field. In a redesigned, reader-friendly format, the text surveys the latest theories and research to provide key information about what we know (and don't know) about creativity including its many definitions and measures. It addresses how creativity operates on individual and social/environmental levels, and the effects and outcomes of the creative mind. This much-praised book is an ideal brief text for courses on creativity in psychology, education, business, and other fields, as well as cross-disciplinary seminars and programs in creativity studies. New to the Second Edition: Completely updated and expanded with new theories and research Restructured to enhance flow of information and ease of use New chapters on measuring creativity, creativity and mental health, creative environments, how creativity is perceived by self and society, and its positive and negative aspects Coverage of new models and frameworks Expanded coverage of creativity and motivation, mental illness, and mood; history of creativity research; the creative process; and neuroscientific theories and approaches Thorough reconceptualization of creativity and personality New content on differences between creativity, imagination, and innovation Expanded coverage of creativity assessment Key Features: Surveys theory, research, and applications of creativity concisely and accessibly Written in an engaging style by a world-renowned creativity expert Ideal for courses on creativity in psychology, education, business, and other fields, as well as cross-disciplinary seminars

This highly readable foundational text for undergraduates provides an overview of the major theories and research on human memory. Grounded in the premise that all psychological processes depend on memory, and that memory is shaped by how people use it, the authors look at the brain-based memory process and discuss the major theories that have been developed to explain how memory functions. The book examines memory in everyday life-issues such as memorizing facts, when to perform tasks, and remembering life's events-and addresses such intriguing and controversial topics as repressed and recove.

This is a concise, engaging overview of forensic psychology, spanning its origins as a discipline through the many varied opportunities for employment today. In easy-to-understand language, the book describes federal and state legal systems as they interface with psychological constructs, and presents several chapters focusing on specific areas of the discipline, from criminal matters and ethical issues to family court and juvenile justice. The roles of the forensic psychologist and attorney in court proceedings are addressed and clarified, and landmark cases are highlighted to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists can influence the law. The book provides a legal foundation that forensic psychologists need to succeed in the profession, and highlights the methodological and assessment tools needed to evaluate clients and other individuals. Fascinating case studies—presented as “briefs” to highlight important facts and issues— and commentary by nationally renowned forensic psychologists and attorneys bring concepts to life, and call-out boxes are interspersed throughout describing relevant current events and profiling day-to-day work in the field. Chapter overviews, summaries, and discussion questions reinforce the book’s content. Key Features: Delivers a realistic overview of what it is like to be a forensic psychologist Helps students to make informed career choices by highlighting different areas of practice Introduces students to key legal information they need to succeed in the field Highlights the methodological and assessment tools to evaluate clients and validate scientific credibility of the field Describes actual cases rulings to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists influence the law Authored by an individual who is an attorney, a former law school professor, and a current PhD associate professor of forensic psychology

This concise overview provides a scientific yet highly accessible introduction to the science of animal cognition. Written for undergraduate college courses as well as any interested reader, it encompasses the history of animal cognition studies, essential theories and methodology, and the latest findings and controversies in animal consciousness and communication. The book challenges myths and preconceived notions about animal cognition by explaining the scientific theories, the perils of anthropomorphism, and the value of knowing a species’ natural history before making assumptions or drawing conclusions. Each chapter includes an Animal Spotlight and a Human Application section. The Animal Spotlight highlights individual animals—the “rock stars” of animal cognition—that have made significant contributions to the field. Reminding us that we too are animals, the Human Application sections connect topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition. Additionally, the book provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition. Key Features Provides a scientific yet accessible introduction to animal cognition studies Examines the development of the field, its theories and methods, and the latest findings and controversies Addresses animal consciousness, communication, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility Highlights individual animals that have made significant contributions to the field Connects topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition Provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition

ìThis latest installment in the Psych 101 series is a reader-friendly discussion of one of the most common mental health disorders -- depression. With the advent of the DSM-5, this book is not only timely, but it also provides a life-span approach to understanding depression.î--Doody's Medical Reviews Depression, often referred to as the ìcommon cold of psychopathology,î is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, yet it remains challenging to understand and treat. Depression 101 provides a reader-friendly overview of unipolar and bilpolar depression and provides the most current and intriguing scientific knowledge on this topic. Unique in its transdisciplinary and lifespan approaches to depression, the text explicitly integrates models of depression across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Depression 101 establishes an organizational framework for understanding the multiple pathways that can lead to depression. It describes the fundamental distinctions between unipolar and bipolar disorders, and provides a model for understanding of mood disorders on a continuum of severity. The text illuminates how such major psychology disciplines as clinical, developmental, evolutionary, personality, and behavioral neuroscience shed light on the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for the full spectrum of depressive disorders. Cultural and gender as variables are examined as is depression across the lifespan. Additionally the text clarifies common misconceptions about depression and mood disorders, and considers how the recently-released DSM-5 affects diagnostic practice. Key Features: Provides an accessible reader-friendly overview of depression and related mood disorders Explores cutting edge research on psychology from across a wide range of psychological disciplines Takes a lifespan approach, viewing depression as it affects people at all ages of development Clarifies common misconceptions about depression and other mood disorders Reviews causes, risk factors, and treatment options for the full spectrum of depressive disorders Updated to reflect changes in diagnosis as provided in DSM-5