Introduction to Psychology [Hardcover]

James W. Kalat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 13, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0534539882 | ISBN-13: 978-0534539887 | Edition: 6

In this thorough revision of his best-selling text, Jim Kalat does not simply cover psychology's major theories and studies. He creates a more active learning environment that encourages students to question information, asking themselves, "How was this conclusion reached? Does the evidence really support it?" Kalat teaches students to separate what sounds plausible from what can be backed up scientifically, and he shows students how to tell the difference between sound and flawed evidence. He succeeds in getting students to use the scientific method to question assertions, and in engaging their interests so they want to know more. Like no other author, Kalat is able to speak directly to students, drawing them into psychological concepts and information in a way that actually changes their approach to learning. Kalat's relaxed, conversational writing style, coupled with humor, personal anecdotes, and exercises students can try themselves, help make the Sixth Edition an exceptional learning tool.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James W. Kalat is a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University where he teaches Introduction to Psychology and Biological Psychology. Kalat received a B.A. degree from Duke University Summa Cum Laude and a Ph.D in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania under the supervision of Paul Rozin. He is the author of BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Eighth Edition (Wadsworth, 2004). In addition to textbooks, he has written journal articles on taste-aversion learning and on the teaching of psychology, among other topics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 653 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (July 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534539882
• ISBN-13: 978-0534539887
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #561,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. James W. Kalat received his B.A. degree from Duke University, Summa Cum Laude, and then continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving his Ph.D. in psychology under the supervision of Paul Rozin. Currently, Dr. Kalat is at North Carolina State University where he is a professor of psychology, teaching both introductory psychology and biological psychology. Besides having authored the best selling biological psychology text, Dr. Kalat is the author of INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, 8th Edition (Wadsworth, 2008) and has published articles on a variety of diverse topics such as taste aversion learning and on the teaching of introductory psychology. With Michelle Shiota, Kalat is co-author of EMOTION (Wadsworth, 2007). A talented and frequently requested speaker, Kalat receives rave reviews wherever he presents, including the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology and the Texas Community College Teachers Association.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great text book!, January 12, 2005

By 

Cool Mom to 2 "GPS" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Psychology (Hardcover)

I took a Intro. to Psychology course as a Prerequisite for Nursing school. Kalat explains everything clearly with great pictures,charts,examples, graphs, etc. I got an A in the course and I give the book an A as well. I also highly recommend the study guide that goes along with this book, it came in very handy and is complete with practice tests for each chapter.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most interesting textbook I have., March 20, 2001

By 

readerwriter (OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Psychology (Hardcover)

Kalat knows how to write so that this information is memorable and interesting. Funny anecdotes, concept checks, interesting additional facts are all included. A fine textbook for an intro to psychology. Makes you want to continue learning more.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A balanced, easy to read, and in depth intro to psychology., October 21, 1999

By 

Niel Slaughter (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Psychology (International Version) (Hardcover)

Kalat's book is the textbook for my Introduction to Psychology course. I think the book contains all the items important to the course, as well as some interesting, more in-depth information. Its strong point is the amusing text, as well as the frequent proof that UFO's don't exsist. His concept checks make it real easy to decide whether you know the material well enough to pass the test or not. Its also great to see he is not particularly long winded on any one subject, although the book ends up being pretty long. The examples also help a lot. Overall a very good book.