The Handy Psychology Answer Book

The Handy Answer Book

by Lisa J. Cohen

Bridges the gap between today's entertainment-focused “pop psychology” on television and the dry academic research that is published in journals. A primer on human behavior and psychology.



The Handy Psychology Answer Book helps answer why humans do what we do through accurate scientific data presented in a lively, accessible, and engaging way. It covers the fundamentals and explains the psychology behind how people deal with money, sex, morality, family, children, aging, addiction, work, and other everyday issues. It takes a journey through the history and science of psychology and showing how psychology affects us all. Fully revised to reflect the latest scientific research—such as the current DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association); the latest neurobiological theories; and the changing face of marriage—this timely reference features more than 1,500 answers to questions concerning how the human mind and the science of psychology really work, including ...


How have other cultures addressed psychological issues?
Why was Freud so focused on sex?
How do twin studies help illuminate the role of genetics?
How can I maintain a healthy brain?
Why do some people hear voices that aren’t really there?
Why do children see monsters in the closet at night?
How have recent changes in technology affected adolescent development?
Why does time seem to speed up as we age?
Is it normal to argue during marriage?
Does religion make people happier?
How has morality changed over the course of history?
What are the personality traits of people who succeed in their professions?
Why do so many politicians get trapped in scandals?
Does genetics play a role in voting behavior?
Which therapies are best for which kinds of problems?
How might the stress of police work affect decision-making in high stress situations?


With a wide range of information suitable for everyone, The Handy Psychology Answer Book is the ideal source for anyone looking to get a better understanding of psychology. It provides clear answers on the history, basic science and latest research, and psychology behind everyday situations and at different stages in life.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Carolyn Di Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely useful companion to any Psych class. I find it helps me to remember the material if I read what other authors say about any subject.

[broken.tsuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative and well constructed book. The guided question and anawer format provides a brief overview of almost all important topics with smooth transitions between topics. The structure also makes it very easy to put down and pick back up if you don't happen to have much time to plow through pages or chapters in one sitting.

The only thing I would like to have seen more of are the practices and strategies for combating illnesses, maintaining health etc.; although, as this book is meant to be used as an easily accessible introduction and not comprehensive or specifically focused, critiquing the lack of detailed content would be moot. In fact, the more pressing or complicated topics are often given more depth.

Bottom line is that it's an informative and easy read and I can't wait to get a hold of another Handy Answer Book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for anyone even remotely interested in the field of psychology. The Handy Psychology Answer Book answers all sorts of questions in an easy to read, digestible format. My only criticism is that the book is overwhelmingly long, but I suppose that's to be expected when cramming an entire field of study into one volume.

[Kara Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information

[Mills College Library]

150 C6785 2011