Principles Of Biopsychology (Principles of Psychology) by Simon Green

Principles of Psychology

by Simon Green

This book is intended to provide an introduction to the basic structure and function of the brain and nervous system, emphasizing relationships with behaviour. The first chapter introduces the field, covering aims, objectives and ethical issues. In chapter 2 the neuron is described, and electrical and chemical conduction presented in detail; this chapter also introduces neurotransmitter pathways and drug effects on normal and abnormal behaviour.; After a general survey of the behavioural organization of the nervous system in chapter 3, three chapters describe how language, learning and memory are related to brain mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on clinical data from human patients, and functional assymetries between the hemispheres. The following chapter outlines the Involvement Of Arousal Systems In Stress, Anxiety And Emotion, And Also covers stress reduction techniques. The arousal theme is maintained in chapter 8 in which sleep is discussed in the context of biological rhythms in psychological and physiological processes.; Chapter 9 covers The Biological Bases Of Motivational States Such As Hunger And Thirst, and discusses the concept of homeostasis. Non-homeostatic drives such as electrical self-stimulation of the brain are also considered. Finally, chapter 10 reviews sensory processes in general, and then concentrates on pain perception and the brain mechanisms underlying visual sensation and perception.; It is intended that the material in this book should satisfy the requirements of both the A-level syllabus for Psychology, whichever Board is taken, and first year introductory undergraduate courses in psychobiology.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Science

Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Principles of Biopsychology provides a very good introduction to brain structure and function, progressing rapidly within each topic covered from very basic common knowledge to considerably more specialised and interesting information, but doing so in a way that is clear and easy to follow. It never delves particularly deep into any one area, but then it doesn't claim to (Green clearly states when things are beyond the scope of the book), and in fact the book's mid-level degree of coverage was what attracted me. The information is mostly delivered in the context of the experiments that uncovered it, with due credit diligently given to the primary researchers in each field. Some of the experiments are fascinating - such as Sperry's divided-field work, and I can't wait to read more about Michel Siffre's experiences in two months of total darkness. The book does have perhaps a couple of minor faults: it's now a little outdated, with a second edition certainly welcome, and on a few occasions you're not told until after you've read about an experiment and started to commit its findings to memory that subsequent work has failed to reproduce the outcomes, which hence have been discredited. However, on the whole this is an interesting and accessible book that should be worth £15 of any brain-curious reader's money. Direct your attention its way.