A Brief History of Psychology: Edition 5

Michael Wertheimer

Apr 2012 · Taylor & Francis

About this ebook

This brief, inexpensive text offers the utmost in 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. 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. This edition features an expanded pedagogical program with bolded terms, a complete glossary, more illustrations, and web-based instructional materials including Power Points, a test bank, discussion questions, and more.

Extensively updated throughout, this edition features:

• A new final chapter with a current analysis of the state of the field including the growth of specialized organizations that promote the science 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 in psychology and the promotion of diversity initiatives related to ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation.
• Recent developments in the growth of neuroscience, cognitive science, and the diversification of psychology.
• Portraits of some major figures in the history of psychology.
• Recent changes in the practice of psychology including more emphasis on "evidence-based practice," prescription privileges, and the application of psychological principles to industrial and engineering psychology.
• Recent changes in the APA including new divisions and new elected officials.

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 is often used in introductory courses to introduce students to the field. The enormous index and substantial glossary make this volume a useful desk reference for the entire field.

About the author

Michael Wertheimer is Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder. He received his Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Harvard University. A former president of four APA divisions (history of psychology, teaching of psychology, theoretical and philosophical psychology, and general psychology), he is the recipient of two national awards for the teaching of psychology, and in 2000 APA’s Division 26 presented him a "lifetime achievement award for sustained, outstanding, and unusual contributions to the history of psychology." Recently a member of the APA Board of Directors, he is co-editor of all seven volumes of the series Portraits of Pioneers in Psychology published by APA, LEA, and now Psychology Press.