Psychology Basics

The first edition of Psychology Basics (1998) has been a popular, accessible, and affordable source of information about important theories and issues in this dynamic field. This revised edition is drawn from the 4-volume Magill's Encyclopedia of Social Science: Psychology (2003), which was named a 2004 Outstanding Reference Source by RUSA. Psychology Basics, Revised features approximately 125 essays, one-third of which are new. The remaining two-thirds have the same or similar titles but were either newly commissioned for the revision of the larger encyclopedia or feature updated text - bringing them in line with the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR (2000). ""Sources for Further Study"" sections offer the latest editions and scholarship. Additions to the Revised Edition include new top matter, tailored subheadings guiding readers through the text, photographs, helpful lists of diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV-TR, and a Biographical List of Psychologists, with brief profiles of major figures in the field, both past and present. Psychology Basics, Revised Edition supersedes the previous Psychology Basics and should prove to be even more valuable. Arranged in an A-Z format, Psychology Basics, Revised Edition highlights theories and concepts in the following areas: aging; childhood and adolescence; cognition; conditioning; consciousness; depression; development; diagnosis; emotions; experimentation; intelligence; language; learning; memory; methodology; motivation; origin/definition of psychology; personality; psychobiology; psychopathology; psychotherapy; sensation and perception; sexuality; social psychology; stress; thought; treatments; Entries range from 4-8 pages and begin with standard information: ""Type of psychology""; ""Fields of study""; Abstract defining the subject and summarizing its importance; ""Key concepts"" listing 5-10 important issues discussed; Each article offers a clear discussion of its topic. An entry on a mental illness addresses its cause, diagnosis, treatment, and impact. An entry on a theory or school examines its origin, history, and current status. Descriptive subheadings divide the text, all terminology is explained, and context is provided to make the information accessible to general readers.