This work is suitable for those embarking on the study of psychology for the first time. It is divided into eight parts covering: historical background, issues and controversies in psychology; cognitive psychology; animal behaviour; human development; social psychology; personality and atypical behaviour; and research methods. The text features chapter objectives, chapter summaries, self-assessment questions, on-page glossary definitions and further reading lists to help consolidate students' learning.

This psychology text provides comprehensive notes on cognitive processes. Each chapter of the book starts with learning objectives which give direction and ends with self-assessment questions. It aims to provide a clear focus upon key concepts, theories and principles. The book asks: how do we select what information to pay attention to and what to disregard? how do we interpret the information presented to us by our senses? what factors influence our perceptions of the world? how do infants learn to speak? and why do all humans learn to talk while animals do not? It also includes discussion on how concepts are formed.