Overview
The book is structured around key psychological concepts, organized into chapters that cover the fundamental areas of psychology. Each chapter is designed to help students understand how psychological principles apply to their own lives and the world around them. The authors use a variety of pedagogical tools, including engaging narratives, examples from current events, and self-assessment activities, to reinforce learning and encourage students to think critically about the material.
Structure and Content
The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of psychology. These sections cover topics such as the biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the text, the authors emphasize the scientific basis of psychology, encouraging students to think like scientists and apply psychological principles to real-world situations.
Chapter 1: Psychology’s Roots, Big Ideas, and Critical Thinking Tools
• The Origins of Psychology: The book begins with an exploration of the history of psychology, tracing its roots from ancient philosophical inquiries about the mind to the emergence of psychology as a scientific discipline. The chapter covers key figures such as Wilhelm Wundt, William James, and Sigmund Freud, as well as the major schools of thought, including structuralism, functionalism, and psychoanalysis.
• The Big Ideas of Psychology: Myers and DeWall introduce the major themes that recur throughout the study of psychology, including the biopsychosocial approach, the two-track mind (conscious and unconscious processes), and the importance of critical thinking. The authors emphasize the need to consider multiple perspectives when analyzing psychological phenomena.
• Critical Thinking Tools: The chapter concludes with a discussion of critical thinking and the scientific method, highlighting the importance of skepticism, humility, and curiosity in psychological research. The authors provide tips for evaluating claims, understanding the difference between correlation and causation, and recognizing the limits of intuition and common sense.
Chapter 2: The Biology of Behavior
• Neural Communication: This chapter delves into the biological foundations of behavior, starting with the structure and function of neurons. The authors explain how neurons communicate through electrical impulses and chemical signals, discussing key concepts such as action potentials, neurotransmitters, and synapses.
• The Nervous System: A detailed examination of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the roles of the brain, spinal cord, and autonomic nervous system in regulating behavior
and physiological processes. The chapter also covers the endocrine system and the influence of hormones on behavior.
• The Brain and Behavior: Myers and DeWall explore the structure and function of the brain, highlighting the roles of different brain regions in various cognitive and emotional processes. The chapter discusses techniques for studying the brain, such as brain imaging, and examines how brain injuries and disorders can affect behavior.
Chapter 3: Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind
• The Nature of Consciousness: An exploration of consciousness, including the concepts of selective attention, dual processing, and the distinction between conscious and unconscious thought. The authors discuss how consciousness allows us to focus on specific stimuli while filtering out others, as well as the implications of unconscious processes for behavior.
• Sleep and Dreams: A comprehensive look at the stages of sleep, the functions of sleep, and the
theories of why we dream. Myers and DeWall examine the effects of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health, as well as common sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy.
• Altered States of Consciousness: The chapter also covers various altered states of consciousness, including hypnosis, meditation, and the effects of psychoactive drugs. The authors discuss the potential benefits and risks of these states, as well as their impact on behavior and cognition.
Chapter 4: Developing Through the Life Span
• Prenatal Development and the Newborn: The chapter begins with an overview of prenatal development, from conception to birth. The authors discuss the impact of genetic and environmental factors on fetal development, as well as the abilities and reflexes of newborns.
• Infancy and Childhood: A detailed examination of cognitive and social development during infancy and childhood, drawing on the theories of
Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erikson. The chapter covers topics such as attachment, parenting styles, and the development of self-concept.
• Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Myers and DeWall explore the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur during adolescence, including the development of identity and the challenges of peer relationships. The chapter also discusses the concept of emerging adulthood, a period of extended adolescence that has become increasingly common in modern societies.
• Adulthood and Aging: The chapter concludes with a discussion of adulthood and aging, covering the physical and cognitive changes that occur during these stages of life. The authors examine issues such as marriage, parenthood, career, and the psychological aspects of aging and retirement.
Chapter 5: Sensation and Perception
• Basic Concepts of Sensation and Perception: An introduction to the processes of sensation and
perception, including the distinction between the two. The chapter covers the concepts of absolute thresholds, signal detection theory, and sensory adaptation.
• Vision: A detailed exploration of the visual system, including the structure of the eye, the role of rods and cones in vision, and the process of visual perception. The authors discuss how we perceive color, depth, and motion, as well as common visual disorders.
• Hearing and Other Senses: The chapter also covers the auditory system, including the structure of the ear and the process of hearing. Myers and DeWall discuss the perception of pitch, loudness, and location, as well as common hearing impairments. The chapter concludes with an overview of the other senses, including touch, taste, smell, and body position (kinesthesia).
Chapter 6: Learning
• Classical Conditioning: This chapter begins with an exploration of classical conditioning, drawing
on the work of Ivan Pavlov and John Watson. The authors explain the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination, and discuss how classical conditioning can explain various forms of behavior.
• Operant Conditioning: A detailed examination of operant conditioning, based on the work of B.F. Skinner. The chapter covers the concepts of reinforcement, punishment, and shaping, as well as schedules of reinforcement and their effects on behavior.
• Cognitive Learning and Observational Learning: Myers and DeWall explore the role of cognition in learning, including the concepts of latent learning, insight, and intrinsic motivation. The chapter also covers observational learning, drawing on the work of Albert Bandura and the concept of modeling.
Chapter 7: Memory
• The Information-Processing Model of Memory: An overview of the stages of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. The authors discuss the concepts of sensory memory, shortterm memory, and long-term memory, as well as the factors that influence the accuracy of memory.
• Encoding and Retrieval: A detailed examination of the processes of encoding and retrieval, including the roles of attention, rehearsal, and elaboration. The chapter covers the different types of encoding (e.g., visual, acoustic, semantic) and the factors that can enhance or impair retrieval.
• Forgetting and Memory Construction: Myers and DeWall explore the causes of forgetting, including decay, interference, and retrieval failure. The chapter also discusses the concept of memory construction, including the roles of misinformation, imagination, and source amnesia in creating false memories.
Chapter 8: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
• Cognition and Problem-Solving: An exploration of the cognitive processes involved in thinking, including the use of concepts, prototypes, and heuristics. The authors discuss common cognitive biases and errors, such as confirmation bias and overconfidence, as well as strategies for improving problem-solving skills.
• Language Development and Use: A detailed examination of language development, drawing on the work of Noam Chomsky and other linguists. The chapter covers the stages of language acquisition, the structure of language (phonemes, morphemes, grammar), and the relationship between language and thought.
• Intelligence: Myers and DeWall explore the concept of intelligence, including the different theories of intelligence (e.g., Spearman's g, Gardner's multiple intelligences, Sternberg's triarchic theory). The chapter also covers the measurement of intelligence, including the history
of intelligence testing and the factors that influence IQ scores.
Chapter 9: Motivation and Emotion
• Theories of Motivation: An overview of the major theories of motivation, including drive-reduction theory, arousal theory, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The authors discuss the biological and psychological factors that drive behavior, as well as the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Hunger, Sex, and Social Motivation: A detailed examination of specific types of motivation, including hunger, sexual motivation, and the need for social connection. The chapter covers the physiological and psychological aspects of these motivations, as well as the influence of culture and society.
• Emotion: Myers and DeWall explore the components of emotion, including physiological arousal, expressive behavior, and conscious experience. The chapter covers the major theories of emotion (e.g., James-Lange, Cannon-Bard,
Schachter-Singer), as well as the role of emotions in decision-making, social interaction, and mental health.
Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing
• Stress and Its Effects: An exploration of the concept of stress, including the biological and psychological responses to stressors. The authors discuss the impact of stress on physical and mental health, including the role of stress in the development of illness and the importance of coping strategies.
• Health and Well-Being: A detailed examination of the factors that contribute to health and wellbeing, including the roles of genetics, behavior, and social support. The chapter covers topics such as the mind-body connection, the benefits of exercise and nutrition, and the importance of positive psychology in promoting human flourishing.
• Coping with Stress: Myers and DeWall explore the various strategies for coping with stress,
including problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, as well as the role of resilience in overcoming adversity. The chapter also discusses the importance of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and social support in managing stress.
Chapter 11: Personality
• Theories of Personality: An overview of the major theories of personality, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, trait, and social-cognitive perspectives. The authors discuss the contributions of key figures such as Freud, Rogers, and Bandura, as well as the strengths and limitations of each approach.
• Assessing Personality: A detailed examination of the methods used to assess personality, including projective tests, self-report inventories, and observational techniques. The chapter covers the reliability and validity of these methods, as well as the ethical considerations involved in personality assessment.
• Personality and Behavior: Myers and DeWall explore the relationship between personality and behavior, including the role of personality traits in predicting behavior across different situations. The chapter also discusses the influence of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors on personality development.
Chapter 12: Psychological Disorders
• Defining and Classifying Psychological Disorders: An exploration of the criteria used to define and classify psychological disorders, including the concepts of abnormality, distress, dysfunction, and deviance. The authors discuss the history of mental illness and the development of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
• Anxiety, Mood, and Personality Disorders: A detailed examination of specific types of psychological disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. The chapter covers the symptoms,
causes, and treatment options for these disorders, drawing on current research and case studies.
• Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Disorders: Myers and DeWall explore the characteristics and treatment of schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. The chapter discusses the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to these disorders, as well as the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
Chapter 13: Therapy
• The History and Types of Therapy: An overview of the history of psychotherapy, including the development of psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. The authors discuss the goals, techniques, and effectiveness of each approach, as well as the ethical considerations involved in therapy.
• Biomedical Therapies: A detailed examination of biomedical approaches to treating psychological disorders, including the use of medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and brain stimulation techniques. The chapter covers the benefits and risks of these treatments, as well as the importance of combining medication with psychotherapy.
• Evaluating Psychotherapies: Myers and DeWall explore the effectiveness of different types of therapy, drawing on research findings from clinical trials and meta-analyses. The chapter discusses the factors that contribute to successful therapy outcomes, including the therapeutic alliance, client motivation, and the match between therapist and client.
Chapter 14: Social Psychology
• The Power of the Situation: An exploration of the ways in which social situations influence behavior, including the concepts of conformity, obedience, and group dynamics. The authors
discuss classic studies by Asch, Milgram, and Zimbardo, as well as the implications of these findings for understanding human behavior in everyday life.
• Attitudes and Actions: A detailed examination of the relationship between attitudes and behavior, including the concepts of cognitive dissonance, persuasion, and social influence. The chapter covers the ways in which attitudes are formed and changed, as well as the factors that determine whether attitudes will predict behavior.
• Prejudice, Aggression, and Altruism: Myers and DeWall explore the causes and consequences of prejudice, aggression, and altruism, drawing on research from social psychology. The chapter discusses the role of stereotypes, social identity, and intergroup conflict in perpetuating prejudice, as well as the factors that promote prosocial behavior and reduce aggression.
Conclusion
"Psychology in Everyday Life (5th Edition)" is a wellrounded and accessible introduction to the field of psychology, providing students with a thorough understanding of psychological principles and their applications to everyday life. Myers and DeWall's engaging writing style, combined with real-world examples, self-assessment activities, and a focus on critical thinking, makes this book an ideal resource for students new to psychology. The 5th edition's updates ensure that it remains current with the latest research, while its comprehensive coverage provides a solid foundation for further study in psychology.
