This value-priced paperback combines brevity, clarity, rigor and relevance to adeptly cover the core topics in psychology. Continuing with the character and spirit of previous editions, Don Baucum and Carolyn Smith join Jerome Kagan and Julius Segal to create a streamlined text with a free integrated study guide. The text follows a developmental theme, with an emphasis on diversity coverage and critical thinking. In many chapters, the developmental theme is highlighted by a Life Span Perspective feature that shows students the relevance of chapter topics to the development of a human life, and that helps them make connections between themes discussed in different chapters. Personal applications and real-life examples are included throughout the text to engage students in every key topic area.