From Seance to Science: A History of the Profession of Psychology in America [Paperback]

Ludy T. Benjamin (Author), David Baker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0155042645 | ISBN-13: 978-0155042643 | Publication Date: July 14, 2004 | Edition: 1

This book is intended to round out the picture of American psychology's past, adding the history of psychological practice to the story of psychological science. Written by two well-recognized authorities in the field, this brief (chapter 6) book covers the profession and practice of psychology in America from the late 19th century to the present. FROM SÉANCE TO SCIENCE tells the story of psychologists who sought and seek to apply the knowledge of their science to the practical problems of the world, whether those problems lay in businesses, schools, families, or in the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of individuals. Engagingly written and full of interesting examples, this book includes figures and photos from the Archives of the History of American Psychology. This is the story of individuals, trained in psychology, who function as school psychologists, counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists, and industrial psychologists. These are psychology's practitioners, meaning that they take the knowledge base of psychology and use it for practical purposes outside of the classroom and outside of the laboratory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I found the authorÂ's writing style to be highly effective and accessible..." "I would consider this book as a supplemental text for clinical grad students as it provides a useful history of applied/professional psychology that it is unlikely they received as undergraduates."

"The preface leads me to be excited to read the book." "For all the chapters the authorÂ's writing style was clear, direct, concise, and easy to follow. This book is at an excellent level for undergraduates. Graduates will find the book easy reading." "I would definitely adopt this book as a supplemental text for my undergraduate class. It does a very good job covering the emergence of professional psychology in America."

"This book takes a fresh approach by focusing on the development of the psychology profession." "I would consider using it in the future. Out of the students that are interested in graduate school, most of them are interested in clinical or counseling."

"I thought the writing style was generally excellent." "I might adopt this book in a graduate counseling class because it would give counselors-in-training a much needed overview of their disciplineÂ's evolution."

About the Author

Ludy Benjamin, Jr. holds an endowed chair and endowed professorship in the Department of Psychology at Texas A and M University where he has taught for the past 23 years. Trained as an experimental psychologist, his principal area of scholarship today is the history of American psychology, especially the applications of psychology in business, education, and clinical settings. He has written 14 books and more than 100 articles, most of those on historical subjects. He is a past president of two divisions of the American Psychological Association: History of Psychology and Teaching of Psychology. Benjamin has also received recognition for his teaching with awards from his university and from the American Psychological Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 1 edition (July 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0155042645
• ISBN-13: 978-0155042643
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #635,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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