Introduction to Psychology

by James W. Kalat

Jim Kalat's best-selling INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY takes a "critical thinking" approach to the major theories and concerns of psychology. By prompting students to ask themselves questions like "How was this conclusion reached?" and "Does the evidence really support it?," Kalat encourages the use of scientific principles. He walks students through the hypothesis-method-results-interpretation steps that psychologists use when attempting to answer questions about human intellect, emotion, and behavior. Kalat's approach is proven to help students separate what merely sounds plausible from what is scientifically provable?both in the psychology classroom and beyond it. With his humorous writing style and hands-on "Try It Yourself" exercises, Kalat puts students at ease and gets them involved with even with the most intimidating concepts. Within each chapter, he "chunks" the material into a modular format so that students can master one idea at a time, building confidence as they go. This format makes it convenient for instructors to assign material to match the way they teach the course. Kalat's supplements package includes substantial resources for professors and students alike. Students receive a free CD-ROM with the text, free access to the Book Companion Web Site (featureing a personalized Self-Study Assessment program--see below), free access to InfoTrac College Edition, and free access to vMentor online tutoring. Instructors receive an Instructor's Resource Manual (now in a three-ring binder format), Test Bank with item analysis, and much more. See below for details.

Genres: Psychology, Textbooks, Nonfiction, School, Self Help, Science, Reference

657 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic textbook. Everything is stated very clearly, with concise, practical examples. I did not test the online elements, but the exercises in the chapters to help the reader understand important concepts are a brilliant touch.

[N Rula · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to ever teach a psychology class, I would probably use Kalat's textbook as a supplement to my course. He explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand and presents a good number of "Try-It-Yourself" activities to help students remember the important stuff.

[Danesh Wiki]

best book in general psychology

[Gregoroveich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lowkey one of the more interesting textbooks I've had to read for a class.

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than Kalat's obvious prejudice against religion in general, I really enjoyed this text. It was humorous, well-written and definitely memorable. I actually read the 8th edition and expect the 9th is even better.

[Ian McGaffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an introductory book on psychology I thought this eas a great text to read for class. No topic was too difficult and the coverage seemed pretty complete. Kalat looks at a broad spectrum of psychological topic and also is able to piece together a history of psychology as a science.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've spent so much time and energy trying to get people to use this book, I figured I should actually read it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Psych book I've ever read back from Psychology 100. And it's still my most frequently consulted reference.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it's for a class, I'm truly enjoying Kalat's frank, amusing writing style. It's refreshing!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I AM DONE WITH THIS ONE!!!!!! It wasn't the most borning textbook I have ever read and was pretty easy to understand. I am just glad that I only have to study before it's time to take the final!

[Aloysius]

PSY101!

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just looking for a representative textbook... I took an intro course at Metro State in 71-72. Again at CU in the fall of 1972. Date is approximate.

[Moxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this for my psychology course. Enjoyed that he seems skeptical

[Aberkah]

this is a very interesting book for those interested in knowing what is going on in their system

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used 10th edition of this book as textbook. It gives a general tour and introduction on all psychology areas.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love psychology and I liked how the author wrote the book like he was talking to us.

[Hoàng Nguyễn Ngọc Giang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and well-organized book