Psychology: Themes and Variations

I was pleased with both the speed in which this book arrived, and the quality in which it arrived in. Thanks.

When asked to choose a book to use in my Introduction to Psychology class, I was somewhat unsure because there are armadas of books out there. For students, I think someone should take in price as a factor, look at what they are given in the way of student-aid and multimedia, and how good the book really happens to be. I initially chose this book because I knew someone that had used an older version of it and said that it was a good choice and, well, I couldn't be happier. As far as the cost of the book, it really isn't bad for a new book. It keeps up with newer stuff, not really leaving you behind with outmoded material you really shouldn't learn anyhow. It also adds in newer elements to the study of the subject, allowing a student to feel out the subject without feeling like they've stepped onto the Intro bandwagon. This isn't to say that all the beginner's concepts aren't covered because they are - this is simply to say that the book takes the subjects and runs with them a lot more than most beginner material. Another thing to take into account if you are teaching a class are the number of chapters vs. the filler material. With classes becoming shorter now (many schools now have a 14 week series v. a 16 week one) the material needs to be able to sink in faster. Happily for the students reading this, the material will do that AND the book will come with A LOT of help to making testing a positive experience. One nice thing that comes with the book is the Concept Charts, making it east for people to see the ideas "come to life." It is easier to explain how a science goes from an idea to a modern approach by placing it in a nice graph, and the points that are added make it easier still to separate one person from another. The Chart book follows along with the book amazingly, too; I looked into it first off and saw that it took into account everything the Chapters were trying to say. Running through the book, it covers: Evolution of Psychology, Researching, Biological Biases for Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Variations on Consciousness, Learning, Memory, Language and Thought, Intelligence and Testing, Motivation and Emotion, Development across the Life Span, Personality, Stress and Coping, Disorders, Treatment, and Social behavior. Combine this with the CD, web help, and you've got a full book of concepts. If your teacher picked this out, MAKE SURE you get the concept charts with your book. It is good, will help you if you are going into any field dealing with psychology, and is a book that is worth keeping instead of recycling.

I am taking all distance learning courses and I have found that this book is user friendly and informative. As a student taking distance learning courses it is important to have a good understanding of your text materials to do well. This book has many features to help you take better notes, become a better reader, and allows you to test your knowledge throughout various points of each chapter as well as at the end of each chapter. This book contains personal applications and critical thinking applications at the end of every chapter. These elements of the text allow the student to apply what they have learned to their personal experience as well as their educational experience. This is a great pick for the distance learner and any student who appreciates a good education.

I used this book for a course called general psychology. This book is full of knowledge and explains each term in everyday language so the reader can grasp the concept. I felt that the book explained everything so well that I would easily got a A in the class without ever having to have the teacher explain anything to me.

I am a student who just used this textbook in an Intro. to Psych. class and found the volume to be absolutely wonderful. Wayne takes the time to explain everything necessary for complete comprehension of the subject matter and uses very pertinent examples often from student life (e.g. pizza-oriented decision making processes). In addition to the actual text, the full-color picutes/illustrations add tremendously; some are rather silly, but most are bright and consistent with the writings. All in all, Wayne has done a terrific job; this is an excellent textbook for those teaching an Intro. class or those simply wishing to enhance personal knowledge about a wide variety of psychological topics.