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Understanding Psychology, 12th edition

Published by Pearson (January 19, 2018) © 2019

  • Charles G. Morris University of Michigan
  • Albert A. Maisto University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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For courses in Introductory Psychology.

A thematic approach to the enduring issues in psychology

Understanding Psychology helps students see the surprising unity and coherence of this diverse and exciting science. Authors Charles Morris and Albert Maisto walk students through 5 enduring issues that cut across all subfields of psychology: person versus situation, nature versus nurture, stability versus change, diversity versus universality, and mind versus body. This approach helps students understand both the essential concepts and the real-life applications of the discipline.

The 12th Edition offers updated references and examples as well as fresh content that brings concepts to life.

Hallmark features of this title

  • The text is organized around 5 enduring issues that cut across and unite all subfields of the discipline: person versus situation, nature versus nurture, stability versus change, diversity versus universality, and mind versus body. Appearing throughout each chapter, the focus on these issues helps students think “big picture,” and achieve a thematic understanding of the discipline.
  • The authors frame their narrative around 3 unifying concepts:
    • Psychology is a science that is rapidly evolving.
    • Human behavior and thought are diverse, varied and affected by culture.
    • The study of psychology involves active thinking, questioning and problem solving.
  • Chapter-opening vignettes draw students into the material and help them understand key information.

New and updated features of this title

  • UPDATED: Thinking Critically exercises, now with accompanying Journaling Prompts, encourage students to critically examine key ideas presented in the text.

Features of Revel for the 12th Edition

  • NEW: Dozens of new surveys, Journaling Prompts, videos and animations have been included throughout the 12th Edition to increase student engagement.

1. The Science of Psychology
2. The Biological Basis of Behavior
3. Sensation and Perception
4. States of Consciousness
5. Learning
6. Memory
7. Cognition and Mental Abilities
8. Motivation and Emotion
9. Life-Span Development
10. Personality
11. Stress and Health Psychology
12. Psychological Disorders
13. Therapies
14. Social Psychology

Appendix A. Measurement and Statistical Methods
Appendix B. Psychology Applied to Work

About our authors

Charles G. Morris received his B.A. from Yale University (1962) and his M.A. (1964) and Ph.D. (1965) in psychology from the University of Illinois. He joined the University of Michigan in 1965 where he served until his retirement in 2002.

From 1972 to 1977 he served as Associate Dean in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. From 1980 to 1990, he served as Associate Chair of the Department of Psychology. Upon his retirement in 2002, he was appointed Emeritus Professor.

He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.

Morris has written more than 2 dozen books, numerous articles and more than 30 papers and presentations. His books include Psychology: An Introduction, Understanding Psychology, Basic Psychology, Psychology: Concepts and Applications, Psychology: The Core and Contemporary Psychology and Effective Behavior.

His early research centered on leadership, group interaction and group problem solving. More recently, his publications and presentations have focused on various aspects of undergraduate education, on contemporary views of leadership, and on the "Big 5" personality traits.

Albert A. Maisto, the Carnegie Foundation's U.S. Professor of the Year for 1997 to 1998, is the Bonnie E. Cone Distinguished Professor for Teaching at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he also serves as Associate Dean of the Honors College. Maisto earned both his Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from The University of Alabama.

His books include Psychology: An Introduction, Understanding Psychology, Basic Psychology, Psychology: Concepts and Applications and Psychology: The Core.

Earlier in his career, he served as a visiting Professor to The University of Nottingham in England, and he spent 2 years on the faculty of The University of Connecticut. Throughout his career, Dr. Maisto has distinguished himself as an exemplary instructor of general psychology winning the prestigious Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence.

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