What makes us laugh? Why is comedy so important? How does comedy affect our behaviour? The Psychology of Comedy provides a unique insight into the role of laughter and humour in our lives. From the mechanics of comedy and what makes a good joke, to the health benefits of laughter, the book delves into different types of comedy, from slapstick to complex puns, and the physiological response it provokes. The dark side of comedy is also considered, confronting the idea that what is funny to some can be offensive to others, making this universal experience also highly subjective. In a time when comedy continues to be one of the most popular and enduring forms of art, The Psychology of Comedy reminds us that laughter really is good for the soul.

The Essential Psychology Series bridges the gap between simple introductory texts aimed at pre-university students and higher level textbooks for upper level undergraduates. Each volume in the series is designed to provide concise yet up-to-date descriptions of the major areas of psychology for first year undergraduates or students taking psychology as a supplement to other courses of study. The authors, who are acknowledged experts in their field, explain the basics carefully and engagingly without the over-simplification often found in introductory textbooks, at the same time providing the reader with insights into current thinking. Essential Biological Psychology is an accessible, well-illustrated and well-written account of the study of the role of the body in behaviour and the effect of behaviour on the working of the body. Covering all the major topics within biopsychology, and evaluating the most up-to-date findings, particularly within neuroscience and neuroimaging research, this textbook is essential reading for first and second level undergraduates taking courses in biological or physiological psychology as well as anyone studying courses in neuropsychology or behavioural neuroscience.

Smell and taste are our most misunderstood senses. Given a choice between losing our sense of smell and taste, or our senses of sight and hearing, most people nominate the former, rather than the latter. Yet our sense of smell and taste has the power to stir up memories, alter our mood and even influence our behaviour. In The Neuropsychology of Smell and Taste, Neil Martin provides a comprehensive, critical analysis of the role of the brain in gustation and olfaction. In his accessible and characteristic style he shows why our sense of smell and taste do not simply perform basic and intermittent functions, but lie at the very centre of our perception of the world around us. Through an exploration of the physiology, anatomy and neuropsychology of the senses; the neurophysiological causes of smell and taste disorders, and their function in physical and mental illness, Neil Martin provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of the processes of gustation and olfaction. The Neuropsychology of Smell and Taste provides a state-of-the-art overview of current research in olfactory and gustatory perception. With sections describing the effect of odour and taste on our behaviour, and evaluating the contribution current neuroimaging technology has made to our understanding of the senses, the book will be of interest to researchers and students of neuropsychology and neuroscience, and anybody with an interest in olfaction and gustation.

The Essential Psychology Series bridges the gap between simple introductory texts aimed at pre-university students and higher level textbooks for upper level undergraduates. Each volume in the series is designed to provide concise yet up-to-date descriptions of the major areas of psychology for first year undergraduates or students taking psychology as a supplement to other courses of study. The authors, who are acknowledged experts in their field, explain the basics carefully and engagingly without the over-simplification often found in introductory textbooks, at the same time providing the reader with insights into current thinking. Essential Biological Psychology is an accessible, well-illustrated and well-written account of the study of the role of the body in behaviour and the effect of behaviour on the working of the body. Covering all the major topics within biopsychology, and evaluating the most up-to-date findings, particularly within neuroscience and neuroimaging research, this textbook is essential reading for first and second level undergraduates taking courses in biological or physiological psychology as well as anyone studying courses in neuropsychology or behavioural neuroscience.

Can personality and intelligence be measured? Is being physically attractive an advantage? Is it really better to forgive and forget? How do babies learn to perceive and think? Can listening to Mozart improve IQ? What happens when we sleep? Attempting to answer these important questions and more, psychology the scientific study of human and nonhuman behaviour has never been more popular. From TV experts to the amateur musings of your best friend, the language of psychology has permeated all aspects of everyday life. Here, the author proves that modern psychology concerns far more than the everyday stereotypes of Freud, Jung, and common sense advice. Exploring the senses, how memory works, and what determines our intelligence and personality, this Beginner's Guide is informed by the latest cutting-edge research and provides a vibrant and witty examination of the very heart of what it is to be human.

What makes us laugh? Why is comedy so important? How does comedy affect our behaviour? The Psychology of Comedy provides a unique insight into the role of laughter and humour in our lives. From the mechanics of comedy and what makes a good joke, to the health benefits of laughter, the book delves into different types of comedy, from slapstick to complex puns, and the physiological response it provokes. The dark side of comedy is also considered, confronting the idea that what is funny to some can be offensive to others, making this universal experience also highly subjective. In a time when comedy continues to be one of the most popular and enduring forms of art, The Psychology of Comedy reminds us that laughter really is good for the soul.

Smell and taste are our most misunderstood senses. Given a choice between losing our sense of smell and taste, or our senses of sight and hearing, most people nominate the former, rather than the latter. Yet our sense of smell and taste has the power to stir up memories, alter our mood and even influence our behaviour. In The Neuropsychology of Smell and Taste, Neil Martin provides a comprehensive, critical analysis of the role of the brain in gustation and olfaction. In his accessible and characteristic style he shows why our sense of smell and taste do not simply perform basic and intermittent functions, but lie at the very centre of our perception of the world around us. Through an exploration of the physiology, anatomy and neuropsychology of the senses; the neurophysiological causes of smell and taste disorders, and their function in physical and mental illness, Neil Martin provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of the processes of gustation and olfaction. The Neuropsychology of Smell and Taste provides a state-of-the-art overview of current research in olfactory and gustatory perception. With sections describing the effect of odour and taste on our behaviour, and evaluating the contribution current neuroimaging technology has made to our understanding of the senses, the book will be of interest to researchers and students of neuropsychology and neuroscience, and anybody with an interest in olfaction and gustation.