Psychology

Book excerpt: Psychology: Made Simple covers the development of psychology over the years and the basic psychological knowledge. The book describes the scientific approach to the study of the human nature, the physiological aspects of psychology, perception, and the processes of learning. The text also discusses John Dewey's analysis of reasoning; creativity, logic, critical thinking, and divergent and convergent thinking; the nature of thinking; and the relationship between thinking and language. The process of remembering; intelligence and aptitudes and tests used to measure both; the basis of individual differences; and the psychology of infancy, childhood, and adolescence are also considered. The book tackles the theories of emotions and personality development, the role of motivation in personality development; personality adjustment and maladjustment; and the neurotic and abnormal personalities. Issues in social psychology are considered as well. Students taking psychology, social sciences and education will find the book invaluable.