A Brief History of Psychology

By Michael Wertheimer

Book Overview

This brief, inexpensive text offers great flexibility in teaching the history of psychology. Used as a stand-alone text or with readers, this engaging book is noted for its analysis of the scientific and philosophical emergence of the field as well as its coverage of contemporary psychology and emerging areas. Readers appreciate the book's balanced coverage of experimental, applied, and clinical psychology, as well as the clear and succinct presentation of the field's major events and schools of thought. The sixth edition features an expanded pedagogical program with bolded terms, a complete glossary, more illustrations, and web-based instructional materials including PowerPoints, a test bank, discussion questions, and more. Special emphasis has also been placed on the role of the American Psychological Association (APA) in the history of psychology.

Extensively updated throughout, the sixth edition features:

A revised final chapter with a current analysis of the state of the field, including the growth of the APA as well as specialized organizations that promote the science and profession of psychology, and the push to influence policies that address global challenges, such as environmental sustainability, intergroup conflict, health disparities, and the population explosion.

A discussion of the growth in the number and role of women and ethnic minorities in psychology, and the promotion of diversity across both demographic and intellectual perspectives.

Recent developments in the growth of neuroscience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and the diversification and internationalization of psychology.

Portraits of some major figures in the history of psychology, including psychology's first Nobel Prize winners.

Recent and evolving changes in the practice of psychology, including more emphasis on "evidence-based practice," prescription privileges, and the emergence of the importance of psychological practice in health care.

Recent changes in the APA, including new divisions and new elected officials and its emerging focus on advocacy.

Used independently or as a supplement with readers, this brief text is intended for undergraduate and graduate courses on the history of psychology. Due to its brevity and engaging style, the book can be used in introductory courses to introduce students to the field. The enormous index and substantial glossary make this volume a useful desk reference for psychology and related disciplines.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1138284734
• ISBN13: 9781138284739
• Release Date: June 2020
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Probably the Best Little Book on Psychology There is

I was assigned this book for a graduate class on the history of psychology I took a few years ago at the University of Southern California. I've moved on to my next degree in clinical psychology and have read many more lengthy books since then. Whertheimer's book presented itself once again to me when my father recently asked if I could recommend one book to define what psychology is all about.The discipline of psychology receives many false reprehensive parading from the outlook of pop-culture, which have misled the lay person. Despite differing views, the history of any subject provides a solid, undisputable source to comprehend it. That is why among all the other books I've read on psychology this one stands out as being the most definitive. Even among other books concerning the history of psychology, this one summarizes the complex philosophical, theoretical, experimental, political, and biographical constituents of the enterprise so concisely that it can be read in one sitting. You can't ask for a much better little book to accomplish such an overbearing task. For its meager size this book offers immense knowledge.

concise overview, useful

Starts with "Preexperimental Psychology" and runs through Wundt, James, and the 20th century schools of psychology to end with cognitive and humanistic approaches. I used this book to fill in gaps in my knowledge while studying for a Psychology GRE. I've used it since then to brush up when I teach introductory psychology. It's excellent for these purposes. A concise overview, just what the title advertises.