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Pavlov's Dog: And 49 Other Experiments That Revolutionised Psychology
Experimental psychology burst onto the intellectual scene in the middle part of the nineteenth century, radically transforming the way we understand human thought and behavior.
Featuring clear explanations and first-rate scholarship, Pavlov’s Dog introduces the reader to iconic experiments, including Pavlov’s salivating dogs, Bandura’s Bobo doll experiments, Milgram’s obedience studies and Zimbardo’s classic Stanford prison experiment. In each case, context, procedure, results and implications are carefully considered, allowing the reader to gain a strong sense of psychology as a living, breathing endeavour.
Featuring clear explanations and first-rate scholarship, Pavlov’s Dog introduces the reader to iconic experiments, including Pavlov’s salivating dogs, Bandura’s Bobo doll experiments, Milgram’s obedience studies and Zimbardo’s classic Stanford prison experiment. In each case, context, procedure, results and implications are carefully considered, allowing the reader to gain a strong sense of psychology as a living, breathing endeavour.
179 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
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507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 12, 2018
This was a book I was not expecting to like. Although books of this format with 50 heavily illustrated things you need to know about something, seem to sell well, they usually irritate me. However, a combination of the topic - 50 experiments that revolutionised psychology - and a slight variant of the format - Adam Hart-Davis was allowed significantly more text than is often the case in this type of book - meant that it was surprisingly effective.
There's plenty here that will be familiar to anyone who has grazed the surface of popular psychology, from Pavlov in the book's title and the infamous Milgram electric shock experiments, up to very late 20th century work (there are just two from the 21st). While it's fun to see familiar old friends, it's the ones that are a novelty that inevitably stand out. Which these are will vary from reader to reader - I lapped up the likes of 'can dogs get depressed?' and 'why can't you tickle yourself (and what's the connection with schizophrenia?)'.
Inevitably with this kind of format, the main drawback is that you really want the experiments to be critically analysed, not just described and accepted. Although Hart-Davis occasionally puts in a critical comment, often the outcome of the experiment is accepted without question - despite doubts about the sample size, relevance of sample (they often used university students, for example, an atypical population) and reproducibility of many classic psychology experiments. One, for example, looked at leadership styles and democracy - but the participants were children, and the format was starkly structured, so it's difficult to draw any conclusions about adult leadership and politics. Similarly, with the Milgram experiment, or later on the video-based Ganzfeld ESP experiment (and I'm sure it applies to many others) there's no mention of concerns about how the experiments were carried out.
Despite the desirability of more depth, Hart-Davis does an excellent job of giving us pithy summaries of the experiments and their conclusions. Arranged in chronological chunks, reflecting the changing attitudes to psychology, the book gives a useful picture of how experimental psychology has developed since the late nineteenth century. As is usual with this kind of book, the illustrations are still irritatingly pointless and a waste of space, but the bite-sized approach makes the book great for commutes and bedtime reading. It's always a good sign if, having read one topic, there's a strong urge to move onto the next one - and I got that here.
If, like me, you struggled with Hart-Davis's presenting style when he was on TV, don't worry - Pavlov's Dog has a much less mannered writing style. It's light and approachable but with as much content as the format allows. As dogs go, it's best of breed.
There's plenty here that will be familiar to anyone who has grazed the surface of popular psychology, from Pavlov in the book's title and the infamous Milgram electric shock experiments, up to very late 20th century work (there are just two from the 21st). While it's fun to see familiar old friends, it's the ones that are a novelty that inevitably stand out. Which these are will vary from reader to reader - I lapped up the likes of 'can dogs get depressed?' and 'why can't you tickle yourself (and what's the connection with schizophrenia?)'.
Inevitably with this kind of format, the main drawback is that you really want the experiments to be critically analysed, not just described and accepted. Although Hart-Davis occasionally puts in a critical comment, often the outcome of the experiment is accepted without question - despite doubts about the sample size, relevance of sample (they often used university students, for example, an atypical population) and reproducibility of many classic psychology experiments. One, for example, looked at leadership styles and democracy - but the participants were children, and the format was starkly structured, so it's difficult to draw any conclusions about adult leadership and politics. Similarly, with the Milgram experiment, or later on the video-based Ganzfeld ESP experiment (and I'm sure it applies to many others) there's no mention of concerns about how the experiments were carried out.
Despite the desirability of more depth, Hart-Davis does an excellent job of giving us pithy summaries of the experiments and their conclusions. Arranged in chronological chunks, reflecting the changing attitudes to psychology, the book gives a useful picture of how experimental psychology has developed since the late nineteenth century. As is usual with this kind of book, the illustrations are still irritatingly pointless and a waste of space, but the bite-sized approach makes the book great for commutes and bedtime reading. It's always a good sign if, having read one topic, there's a strong urge to move onto the next one - and I got that here.
If, like me, you struggled with Hart-Davis's presenting style when he was on TV, don't worry - Pavlov's Dog has a much less mannered writing style. It's light and approachable but with as much content as the format allows. As dogs go, it's best of breed.
March 30, 2018
I just have to say first that I love the graph paper cover; it made me want to get out my pencil and ruler and plot some charts! I also love the funky images that you can see at the top of the cover, they are replicated throughout the book and reminded me of Monty Python's Flying Circus. The cover actually says a lot about the style of the book: it's science made fun by Adam Hart-Davis.
I've always had a keen interest in psychology and I think there's nothing more interesting than finding out how the human mind works. I hadn't heard of Pavlov's Dog before reading the book but that is only one of the many amazing experiments that Adam Hart-Davis describes in bite-sized pieces. The book is written in chronological order with experiments grouped into six parts so you can see how psychology has evolved throughout the ages.
I not only found myself intrigued by the experiments, but I saw myself in so many of them. Anyone who knows me will have heard me mentioning space invaders at one time or another. No, not the video game but those people who stand TOO CLOSE! Felipe and Sommer studied invasions into personal space in their 1966 experiment so I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in 'moving along the bench' when my space is invaded.
Another experiment that intrigued me was the peer pressure test conducted by Asch in 1956. I remember going on a management course not long after I had read a psychology book (for fun, as you do). The trainer conducted an experiment whereby he stated three facts about himself and asked the group which one was a lie. The group's answers were split between two of the facts, whereas I was the only person who chose the fact that was actually the lie. The psychology book I read had told me how to identify a lie but the point is that mine was the only answer that differed to the whole group. Perhaps some of my colleagues agreed with my choice, but succumbed to peer pressure and went with the majority as Asch's study concluded.
So if you've ever wondered why you can't tickle yourself or wanted to know how you can hear with your eyes, this is the book for you. It's a fascinating introduction to psychology for those new to the science, but also a fantastic reference guide to the main experiments that have shaped psychology into the science we know today.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I've always had a keen interest in psychology and I think there's nothing more interesting than finding out how the human mind works. I hadn't heard of Pavlov's Dog before reading the book but that is only one of the many amazing experiments that Adam Hart-Davis describes in bite-sized pieces. The book is written in chronological order with experiments grouped into six parts so you can see how psychology has evolved throughout the ages.
I not only found myself intrigued by the experiments, but I saw myself in so many of them. Anyone who knows me will have heard me mentioning space invaders at one time or another. No, not the video game but those people who stand TOO CLOSE! Felipe and Sommer studied invasions into personal space in their 1966 experiment so I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in 'moving along the bench' when my space is invaded.
Another experiment that intrigued me was the peer pressure test conducted by Asch in 1956. I remember going on a management course not long after I had read a psychology book (for fun, as you do). The trainer conducted an experiment whereby he stated three facts about himself and asked the group which one was a lie. The group's answers were split between two of the facts, whereas I was the only person who chose the fact that was actually the lie. The psychology book I read had told me how to identify a lie but the point is that mine was the only answer that differed to the whole group. Perhaps some of my colleagues agreed with my choice, but succumbed to peer pressure and went with the majority as Asch's study concluded.
So if you've ever wondered why you can't tickle yourself or wanted to know how you can hear with your eyes, this is the book for you. It's a fascinating introduction to psychology for those new to the science, but also a fantastic reference guide to the main experiments that have shaped psychology into the science we know today.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 18, 2021
کتاب به نسبت خوبی هست که ۴۹ آزمایش رو از تاریخ روانشناسی روایت میکنه
کتاب زبان به نسبت ساده ای داره و تصویرنگاری کتاب هم جذاب هست
اصل کتاب به انگلیسی نوشته شده و من ترجمهی آلمانی اون رو خوندم و هر شب خلاصهی یک آزمایش از آزمایشهای کتاب رو توی ویرگول نوشتم
این پست مربوط به آزمایش آخر هست و از همونجا میتونید مطالب مربوط به بقیهی آزمایشهای کتاب رو هم مطالعه کنید
https://vrgl.ir/oczp1
کتاب زبان به نسبت ساده ای داره و تصویرنگاری کتاب هم جذاب هست
اصل کتاب به انگلیسی نوشته شده و من ترجمهی آلمانی اون رو خوندم و هر شب خلاصهی یک آزمایش از آزمایشهای کتاب رو توی ویرگول نوشتم
این پست مربوط به آزمایش آخر هست و از همونجا میتونید مطالب مربوط به بقیهی آزمایشهای کتاب رو هم مطالعه کنید
https://vrgl.ir/oczp1
January 31, 2020
Šiaip duočiau 4, bet už tai, kad su paveiksliukais, pridėsiu dar vieną žvaigždę.
Labai lengvai susiskaitė. Ir nors dalis eksperimentų buvo žinoma, su malonumu perskaičiau dar kartą, vien dėl paties formato ir iliustracijų. Jausmas lyg žiūrėtum trumpus Youtube klipukus apie psichologijos mokslą.
Labai lengvai susiskaitė. Ir nors dalis eksperimentų buvo žinoma, su malonumu perskaičiau dar kartą, vien dėl paties formato ir iliustracijų. Jausmas lyg žiūrėtum trumpus Youtube klipukus apie psichologijos mokslą.
November 27, 2018
I like how the book is divided by time. I also liked the experiments they choose to put in. Good read and can be used as reference for papers.
February 7, 2023
Interesting stuff! I appreciate that it was written in an understandable way for non-experts like me :)
April 12, 2020
I found in it some experiments I could relate to my own experience and that could possibly help to improve self-mental health
August 3, 2022
This book presented nice overviews of psychology studies and their results. I enjoyed how the book was laid out and how each study was presented. There was great information on the researchers in case I felt compelled to look up their work and read more about it. My only complaint may be tied to my edition and not all copies. I have the blue cover version sold at Costco and it is riddled with grammatical errors! That is my number one pet peeve when reading as it is so disruptive to my flow. I hope this is due to a sloppy editor and not the author.
May 13, 2025
Adam Hart-Davis, an Oxford trained chemist, has produced an entertaining and inimitably readable book. “Pavlov’s Dog” examines 50 interesting experiments in psychology, and briefly discusses their significance. Hart-Davis avoids academic jargon and eschews the hubris that fuels academic journals.
The book is presented in a chronological format. This schema is helpful insofar that it demonstrates the evolution of psychology and the focus of studies during various decades. Hart-Davis listed the principal researchers in each study, along with their institutional affiliations.
Hart-Davis writes with deference to the investigators, but maintains a healthy skepticism toward the science and its practitioners. The case studies are fascinating , but the illustrations are not particularly edifying. That said, this book would be an excellent read for students contemplating the study of psychology.
The book is presented in a chronological format. This schema is helpful insofar that it demonstrates the evolution of psychology and the focus of studies during various decades. Hart-Davis listed the principal researchers in each study, along with their institutional affiliations.
Hart-Davis writes with deference to the investigators, but maintains a healthy skepticism toward the science and its practitioners. The case studies are fascinating , but the illustrations are not particularly edifying. That said, this book would be an excellent read for students contemplating the study of psychology.
May 28, 2021
19. yy'dan itibaren gerçekleştirilmiş en bilindik psikoloji deneylerini kısa ve popüler bir anlatıyla anlatan yazar kitabın dizgesinde de ilgi çekici görseller ve de dizge kullanmaktan çekinmeyerek kitabın hedeflenen okuyucyla buluşmasına olanak sağlamış. Bilgi sahibi olsam da kitabın okunaklılığı oldukça yüksek olması sebebiyle hızlı bir şekilde artık benzeri görülmeyen bir psikoloji deneyleri dünyasının içine düşmek ve de 150 senelik tarihini gözden geçirmek oldukça keyif vericiydi. 15 yaşında bir genç için çok daha uygun bir okuma olacaktır.
August 11, 2019
I give it 5 stars just for the fact that I couldn't put it down and finished it in a matter of hours.
For someone who craves knowledge but doesn't have time to read lots of in-depth material, this is a great general knowledge book that could serve as a springboard for more particular reading later.
For someone who craves knowledge but doesn't have time to read lots of in-depth material, this is a great general knowledge book that could serve as a springboard for more particular reading later.
July 24, 2020
This was a really interesting non-fiction read! For anyone who’s interested in the area of psychology, it covers several famous experiments in language that is simple to understand. Each experiment is illustrated amd explained in terms of hypothesis, methodology, results and conclusion. Would recommend!
July 29, 2017
I really like reading books about psychology since that is my college major. I enjoy the contents of this book and hope to read more like it. I enjoy how they were divide as in timeline and i love the illustrations shown for the experiments that were mentioned.
March 9, 2023
I was glad to finally get to read through this! As someone that's interested in psychology, this was a great way to learn little snippets about a lot of famous experiments. A perfect coffee table book for someone to pick up when they want to relax and learn something.
October 11, 2023
Recht kurzweilige, wenn auch stark vereinfachte Darstellung einiger wichtiger psychologischer Untersuchungen und Experimente. Die kurzen Kapitel (3 Seiten je) machen das Buch zum perfekten Lückenfüller, wenn man bspw. am Abend nur ein paar Minuten lesen möchte.
June 27, 2018
Devoured this in one sitting! Such a quick and easy non fiction book to read, perfect if you like psychology
October 2, 2018
Interesting to read as I did a degree in psychology so I enjoyed rereading about the different important studies.
August 26, 2019
Not in depth enough, but good for those just staring to get interested in psychology. Those who are even mildy interested know the vast majority of the experiments.
April 25, 2020
All in all, a very interesting book to read. It has nice and quite bits of information that is put together in an understandable way.
September 21, 2020
Easy to read, 50 short stories/experiments that were very fascinating. Learned a lot about myself along the way!
December 13, 2021
Good but not amazing.
About the third of the studies are somewhat interesting, and maybe only 2 or 3 are fascinating.
Could be written much better too, it seems a bit lazy overall.
About the third of the studies are somewhat interesting, and maybe only 2 or 3 are fascinating.
Could be written much better too, it seems a bit lazy overall.
January 3, 2022
Awesome! Very informative! Will read again.
May 29, 2022
Short chapters, ideal for when you don't have much time or mojo to read. Interesting, but not very educational.
August 21, 2024
Way too cursory overview: was missing important details, criticism; some entries particularly light-weight. Which is too bad, I wanted to like it, and selection of experiments itself not bad.
October 31, 2024
An interesting survey of various experiments in psychology. I'm not sure that the experiments necessarily led to all of the stated conclusions but still worth reading.
Read
February 4, 2025I enjoyed this book. But I was kind of stressed through most of it due to the unethical experiments and sad conclusions?? It got better at the end.
September 14, 2025
A solid 4.1 stars .
Want to read
August 7, 2016#
CompNtBk
Own in hardback.
FS: "Can the human mind ever hope to understand the human mind?"
LS: "On the other hand they acknowledge that because the participants did not feel disembodied, and maintained their original perspective - as opposed for example to looking down on themselves from above - the experiments induced only some parts of a typical OBE"
CompNtBk
Own in hardback.
FS: "Can the human mind ever hope to understand the human mind?"
LS: "On the other hand they acknowledge that because the participants did not feel disembodied, and maintained their original perspective - as opposed for example to looking down on themselves from above - the experiments induced only some parts of a typical OBE"
August 18, 2016
Has a wide variety of psych experiments and organizes them by time they occurred. Very well written so that it sounds intelligent but not so complex you can't read it while sitting at the pool. Very fascinating
November 6, 2019
Somehow this book took 50 fascinating and captivating psychological studies and manages to make them all seem dull.
It uses stupid and unnecessary graphics on each page that are overwhelmingly distracting and frequently are totally unrelated.
It uses stupid and unnecessary graphics on each page that are overwhelmingly distracting and frequently are totally unrelated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews