A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY

Adulthood

• By Evie Bentley

Adulthood is an accessible text which deals with the vital area of adult psychological development. It combines detailed accounts of the main theories and evidence on the psychology of adulthood with thorough discussion and commentary, presented in a concise and friendly form. The book's approach encourages engagement with the main theories of this highly relevant topic, as well as including less well-known models of adulthood for discussion.

The book begins with a definition of lifespan psychology, and further chapters include early and middle adulthood; the life events approach; marriage; parenting; divorce; and old age. It includes some modern slants on the classic research, as well as the up-to-date theories, and alternative theories are introduced. Cross-cultural issues and examples have been included in every chapter, and various biases are identified and explained. The final section has sample essays on this topic with extremely helpful examiner's comments, as well as a useful glossary.

Evie Bentley has written an ideal guide to this topic, which requires little or no background knowledge. It provides a useful introduction for both A-level and undergraduate students of psychology or sociology, and will also be of interest to anyone in the health or social care professions and to those with a general interest in developmental psychology.

Published January 15th 2007 by Routledge.

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Ethical Issues and Guidelines in Psychology

• By Philip Banyard, Cara Flanagan

What are the right ways to behave and the right ways to treat other people?

Ethics are the rules and guidelines that we use to make judgements of right and wrong. Psychologists have to consider ethical issues because they deal with people and study their behaviour on a daily basis. The study of ethics is one of the more difficult areas of psychology because there are no clear answers. That might well make it one of the more interesting areas for you, or one of the most frustrating. In this book we offer you the opportunity to develop and express your own opinion in relation to ethics in psychology.

The book explains some key ethical issues and reviews the various ethical principles and guidelines developed by professional bodies. The problems relating to different kinds of research are discussed, as well as the special case of socially sensitive research. Finally the question of the use of animals in research is examined – is it useful and is it right to use non-human animals in psychological research?

Published January 19th 2006 by Routledge.

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Motivation and Emotion

• By Philip Gorman

Motivation and Emotion provides an explanation of emotional experience and aspects of human behaviour using psychological, physiological and alternative approaches. The brain mechanisms that govern motivations are discussed and questions such as 'Why don't we eat ourselves to death?' and 'How do we know we are thirsty?' are answered.

Phil Gorman is an A-Level teacher at Stafford College, UK, and a chief examiner for the Edexcel A Level Examination Board.

The Routledge Modular Psychology series is a completely new approach to introductory level psychology, tailor-made for the new modular style of teaching. Each book covers a topic in more detail than any large textbook can, allowing teacher and student to select material exactly to suit any particular course or project. Especially written for those students new to higher-level study, whether at school, college or university, the books include the following designed features to help with technique:

* practise essays with specialist commentary to show how to achieve a higher grade
* chapter summaries and summaries of key research
* glossary and further reading
* progress and review exercises.

Series editors: Cara Flanagan is a Reviser for AS and A2 level Psychology and an experienced teacher and examiner. Philip Banyard is Associate Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and a Chief Examiner for AS and A2 level Psychology.

Published December 18th 2003 by Routledge.

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Language and Thought

• By Nick Lund

This book fulfils the need for a clear overview of this area of cognitive psychology which encompasses both language and thought. Focusing on goal directed thinking and decision making, Nick Lund looks at the relationship between our grasp of language and our problem solving abilities. Different positions on the issues are contextualised and discussed in a way suitable for the AQA-A A-Level syllabus. Supplementary detail means that the book will also be valuable to other A-Level specification candidates and undergraduates coming to this area for the first time.

Published July 3rd 2003 by Routledge.

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Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behaviour

• By David Clarke

Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behaviour describes the nature and causes of pro-social and anti-social behaviour. It is an introductory level text aimed at students new to this area of Social Psychology. Topics covered include social psychological theories of aggression, altruism and bystander behaviour, and media influences on pro- and anti-social behaviour. Each section includes information on research carried out in these areas of study.

Published July 3rd 2003 by Routledge.

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Debates in Psychology

• By Andy Bell

Debates in Psychology tackles some of the major issues and controversies within the field of psychology. The book includes a discussion of the major debates in psychology prescribed by the AQA Specification A-Level syllabus, such as free will and determinism, whether or not psychology can (or indeed should) be a science, reductionism, and the nature-nurture debate. Additionally, the 'mind-body question' is examined as an example of reductionism in psychology. A chapter on behaviourism is also included in order to draw together the debates covered throughout the book.
Each topic covered in Debates in Psychology is presented in a highly readable and accessible manner. The book will be invaluable for students wishing to gain a greater understanding of this exciting area.

Published August 29th 2002 by Routledge.

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Animal Cognition

• By Nick Lund

Animal Cognition looks at how non-human animals process information from their environment. Nick Lund has written an accessible and engaging account of this area of comparative psychology. The book contains chapters on animal navigation (including homing behaviour and migration), animal communication methods and research into animal language, and attempts to teach language to non-human animals. A chapter on memory includes models of memory in non-human animals and discusses the importance of memory in navigation and foraging behaviour.
Animal Cognition is designed to cover the AQA(A) A2 level specification but will also be of interest to undergraduates new to comparative psychology. It is well illustrated and includes a study aids section with examination questions and answers, and key research summaries.

Published April 25th 2002 by Routledge.

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Determinants of Animal Behaviour

• By Jo Anne Cartwright

Are animals intelligent? How do they learn to solve everyday survival problems? Can they be intentionally deceptive? The investigation of animal behaviour is an important and fascinating aspect of comparative psychology. Determinants of Animal Behaviour thoroughly covers the section on determinants of animal behaviour in the AQA (A) comparative psychology module and deals with the three main topics featured in the syllabus. Firstly the evolutionary explanations of animal behaviour are discussed, including the biological explanations of apparent altruism. Secondly the nature of classical and operant conditioning in animal behaviour is considered and finally the role of social learning in animals is investigated. Real life examples are used throughout the book to illustrate the arguments presented.
Determinants of Animal Behaviour is an ideal introductory text to the subject, full of real life examples and both traditional and cutting-edge research. It will be of interest to all students new to comparative psychology and highly accessible to anyone wishing to know more about the diversity and ingenuity of animal behaviour.

Published April 4th 2002 by Routledge.

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Psychology and Crime

• By David Putwain, Aidan Sammons

What does a Criminological Psychologist do? The popular image is that of a latter-day Sherlock Holmes helping the police to solve crimes and mysteries, but the reality is much more complex. Psychology and Crime is a new introduction to the topic of Criminological Psychology that helps dispel these popular myths by providing a comprehensive overview of the topic of Criminological Psychology.
The book includes both classic and contemporary psychological theory and research on a range of criminological issues including the nature, measurement and causes of crime, police work and offender profiling, eye-witness memory, trial procedures, jury decision making and the treatment of crime. Putwain and Sammons have produced an introductory text which covers the material on this topic in the A2 components of the AQA-B, OCR and Edexcel A-Level specifications. Psychology and Crime is also ideal for undergraduate students looking for an introduction to criminological psychology and for students studying psychology and media. It will also be useful for those who work in fields related to criminology such as the police and probation services, social workers and therapists.

Published March 21st 2002 by Routledge.

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Classification and Diagnosis of Psychological Abnormality

• By Susan Cave

How is psychological abnormality recognised? How many different mental disorders are there, and what are their characteristics? Although there are established guidelines for clinicians working in this area, these have been subject to many criticisms. Exploring how views on this subject have changed over time, and how they vary in different societies, poses important questions about our current practices.
This book provides a brief overview of the current definitions and various explanations for psychological abnormality and then focuses on how society diagnoses and classifies behaviour that is deemed to be 'unusual'. Three key areas of the topic are covered: the procedures involved in the diagnosis and classification of mental disorders (such as schizophrenia); research into the history and origins of multiple personality disorder; and a discussion of the implications of cultural variability (including culture-bound syndromes) for the classification and diagnosis of psychological abnormality.
Classification and Diagnosis of Abnormal Psychology is an introductory text suitable for students and teachers of the AQA Psychology A2 specification and is also useful for other groups who work in the field of mental disorder, such as nurses, social workers and therapists.

Published March 21st 2002 by Routledge.

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Psychology and Education

• By Susan Bentham

Psychology and Education provides a user-friendly introduction to educational psychology. The book covers psychological theories and their practical applications in education. Susan Bentham has written an ideal guide to this topic for students studying the OCR A-Level specification. The book will also be relevant to those studying the EdExcel specification and to those with a general interest in education and learning. The book covers the cognitive, behaviourist and humanistic perspectives on learning, including the work of Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner and others, and describes the practical applications of these theories. The assessment of educational performance is covered and the cultural and developmental factors affecting performance are discussed. Chapters on the special educational needs of the educationally disadvantaged and gifted, and disruptive behaviour in school are included, with sections on ADHD, autism and dyslexia. The book also discusses teaching and learning styles, and the design and layout of educational environments.
Psychology and Education requires little or no background knowledge and makes an ideal introduction for students of psychology, trainee teachers, child carers and anyone who is interested in what is happening in today's schools.

Published February 28th 2002 by Routledge.

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Social and Personality Development

• By Tina Abbott

Social and Personality Development looks at the processes by which we come to be who we are. It covers a range of topics central to personality and developmental psychology. The book is arranged in three sections, the first covering the main theories of personality, the second describing the development of gender and the third focusing on adolescence. It is suitable for the AQA-A A2 Level examination, but will also be of interest to those studying education, nursing and other related disciplines.

Published November 15th 2001 by Routledge.

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Evolutionary Explanations of Human Behaviour

• By John H. Cartwright

In recent years, a new discipline has arisen that argues human behaviour can be understood in terms of evolutionary processes. Evolutionary Explanations of Human Behaviour is an introductory level book covering evolutionary psychology, this new and controversial field. The book deals with three main areas: human reproductive behaviour, evolutionary explanations of mental disorders and the evolution of intelligence and the brain. The book is particularly suitable for the AQA-A A2 syllabus, but will also be of interest to undergraduates studying evolutionary psychology for the first time and anyone with a general interest in this new discipline.

Published November 15th 2001 by Routledge.

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Psychology and Work

• By Christine Hodson

Psychology and Work provides a concise, user-friendly introduction to the field of occupational psychology. The book covers the main issues in the psychology of work and organizations. Topics discussed include the significance of work to the individual, the motivation to work, selection and training and the effects of work on health and quality of life. Organizational psychology is covered in such topics as group behaviour, leadership and management. The book assumes little or no background knowledge and is made accessible to all by the use of everyday examples throughout.
Christine Hodson has produced an ideal text, designed for A Level students and undergraduates of psychology plus business studies new to this field.

Published October 18th 2001 by Routledge.

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Social Cognition

• By Donald C. Pennington

Social Cognition looks at the way in which humans interpret, analyse and remember information about the social world. Topics covered include: attribution, social schemas and social representations, prejudice and discrimination. Suitable for the AQA-A A2 and AQA-B AS level examintation, mnd students studying social cognition for the first time at undergraduate level.
Series Details
The Routledge Modular Psychology Series is a completely new approach to introductory level psychology, tailor-made for the new modular style of teaching. Each book covers a topic in more detail than any large textbook can, allowing teacher and student to select material exactly to suit any particular course or project. Especially written for those students new to higher-level study, whether at school, college or university, the books include the following designed features to help with technique:-
* Practice essays with specialist commentary to show how to achieve a higher grade
* Chapter summaries and summaries of key research
* Glossary and further reading
* Progress and review exercises

Published August 31st 2000 by Routledge.

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Theoretical Approaches in Psychology

• By Matt Jarvis

Psychologists use a range of principles and theories, all of which view the person and the study of the person in very different ways. Theoretical Approaches in Psychology introduces and outlines the six main approaches and considers how each has helped psychologists understand human behaviour, thought and feeling. The Routledge Modular Psychology series is a completely new approach to introductory level psychology, tailor-made for the new modular style of teaching. Each book covers a topic in more detail than any large textbook can, allowing teacher and student to select material exactly to suit any particular course or project.
Especially written for those students new to higher-level study, whether at school, college or university, the books include the following designed features to help with technique:
* practice essays with specialist commentary to show how to achieve a higher grade
* chapter summaries and summaries of key research
* glossary and further reading
* progress and review exercises.

Published July 6th 2000 by Routledge.

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Perception

Theory, Development and Organisation

• By Paul Rookes, Jane Willson

Paul Rookes and Jane Willson explain perception and perceptual processes in a way that almost anyone can understand. The study of perception, or how the brain processes information from the senses , has fascinated psychologists and philosophers for a long time. Perception takes the key research areas and presents the arguments and findings in a clear, concise form, enabling the reader to have a quick working knowledge of the area.
This clear and informative text discusses sensation and perception then looks at theories and explanations of perception. The way visual perception is structured is examined, followed by an analysis of the development of perceptual processes. The authors then consider individual social and cultural variations in perceptual organisation. Perception will be particularly useful to students new to higher-level study. With its helpful textbook features to assist in examination and learning techniques, it should interest all introductory psychology students.

Published May 4th 2000 by Routledge.

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Interpersonal Relationships

• By Diana Dwyer

Interpersonal Relationships considers friendship and more intimate relationships including theories of why we need them, how they are formed, what we get out of them and the stages through which they go. Social and cultural variations are discussed as well as the effects of relationships on our well-being and happiness.
The book is tailor-made for the student new to higher-level study. With its helpful textbook features provided to assist in examination and learning techniques, it should interest all introductory psychology and sociology students, as well as those training for the caring services, such as nurses.

Published March 9th 2000 by Routledge.

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Health Psychology

• By Anthony Curtis

This simple and concise introduction to the psychology of health is the perfect text for students new to the area. Topics covered include health policy and epidemiology, genetic factors in disease, the experience of illness as a patient, beliefs and attitudes, stress, pain and healthy lifestyles.

Published December 16th 1999 by Routledge.

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Awareness

Biorhythms, Sleep and Dreaming

• By Evie Bentley

An accessible description of sleep and dreaming and the daily and seasonal rhythms that our bodies are subject to.

Published September 23rd 1999 by Routledge.

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Sport Psychology

• By Matt Jarvis

Sport Psychology is an introductory account of the major psychological issues in sport today. Major theories and up-to-date research are covered in the areas of personality, attitudes to sport, aggression in sport, anxiety and stress, social influences, motivation, and skill acquisition. A wide variety of sporting examples are used, ranging from football to ballet.

Published September 16th 1999 by Routledge.

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Early Socialisation

Sociability and Attachment

• By Cara Flanagan

Early Socialisation looks at sociability and attachment and how they relate to emotional and cognitive development. Topics covered include: bonding, attachment, deprivation, separation and privation, as well as enrichment. Social and cultural variations are considered, and theories of attachment and loss are described and evaluated.

Published August 5th 1999 by Routledge.

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Social Influences

• By Kevin Wren

Social Influences looks at how we perceive ourselves and others and how this can influence our behaviour. It includes stereotyping and prejudice, obedience and conformity, collective behaviour and leadership.

Published August 5th 1999 by Routledge.

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Introducing Research and Data in Psychology

A Guide to Methods and Analysis

• By Ann Searle

Introducing Research and Data in Psychology shows how research design and data analysis are attainable and useful skills. It introduces both experimental and non-experimental methods of research and the analysis of data using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The uses, interpretation and calculation of common two sample statistical tests are explained. This comprehensive textbook includes the following designed features to help with technique:
* Practice exam answers to show how to achieve a higher grade
* Chapter summaries
* Glossary
* Case studies and examples
* Exercises and a full bibliography

Published May 13th 1999 by Routledge.

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Memory and Forgetting

• By John Henderson

An explanation of the main models of memory and the various approaches used in its study. This is followed by a study of the theories of forgetting and practical applications of memory research.

Published May 6th 1999 by Routledge.

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Therapeutic Approaches in Psychology

• By Sue Cave

Therapeutic Approaches in Psychology is a simple introduction to the many psychological therapies in use today, including cognitive-behavioural, humanistic and psychodynamic approaches.

Published April 8th 1999 by Routledge.

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The Physiological Basis of Behaviour

Neural and Hormonal Processes

• By Kevin Silber

The Physiological Basis of Behaviour deals with the basic structures of the central nervous system, the techniques used in neuroscience and examnines how drugs affect the brain.

Published April 1st 1999 by Routledge.

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Psychopathology

• By John D. Stirling, Jonathan S.E. Hellewell

Psychopathology is a psychologically based account of the major mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety and mood disorders as well as eating disorders.

Published April 1st 1999 by Routledge.

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Controversies in Psychology

• By Phil Banyard

An introduction to the areas that have been studied in psychology that have excited controversy, including advertising, psychometric testing, propoganda and warfare.

Published February 25th 1999 by Routledge.

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