Psychology, 12th Edition by David G. Myers is a comprehensive textbook that provides an introduction to the science of psychology. It covers a wide range of topics from biological psychology to cognitive, social, and clinical psychology. Myers’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book suitable for both students and readers who are new to the subject of psychology. The 12th edition has been updated with current research, statistics, and new findings to keep the material relevant and fresh.
Below is a detailed, chapter-by-chapter summary of the book.
Chapter 1: Introducing Psychology
In the opening chapter, Myers introduces the field of psychology, emphasizing its broad scope and importance in understanding human behavior. He
defines psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The chapter covers the history of psychology, from its roots in philosophy and biology to its emergence as a distinct scientific discipline in the late 19th century. Myers also introduces key themes in the field, including the interaction between nature and nurture, the role of the mind in shaping behavior, and the use of scientific methods in psychological research.
Key Topics:
• The definition and goals of psychology (description, explanation, prediction, and control of behavior)
• Historical foundations of psychology (e.g., structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, cognitive psychology)
• The nature-nurture debate
• The scientific method in psychology (hypothesis formation, experimentation, and observation)
• Key figures in psychology (e.g., Wilhelm Wundt, John B. Watson, Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, and B.F. Skinner)
Chapter 2: Research Methods in Psychology
This chapter explores the various research methods used in psychology, including experimental, correlational, and observational studies. Myers highlights the importance of research design in ensuring valid and reliable results. He also addresses ethical issues in psychological research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants.
Key Topics:
• The scientific method and its role in psychological research
• Types of research methods:
o Experimental: Manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships
o Correlational: Examining relationships between variables without manipulation
o Observational: Naturalistic and laboratory observation
• Sampling techniques and the importance of representative samples
• Ethical principles in research, including the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
Chapter 3: Biological Psychology
In this chapter, Myers delves into the biological basis of behavior, focusing on the brain, neurons, and neurotransmitters. He describes the structure and function of the nervous system, the role of genetics, and the relationship between the brain and behavior. Myers introduces basic concepts in neuropsychology, such as how damage to specific brain areas can affect cognition and behavior.
Key Topics:
• The structure and function of neurons (dendrites, axons, synapses)
• The role of neurotransmitters in mood, cognition, and behavior (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, GABA)
• The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• Brain anatomy and the functions of different brain regions (e.g., cerebrum, limbic system, brainstem)
• Neuroplasticity and brain development
• The role of hormones in behavior and the influence of genetics on psychological traits
Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception
This chapter introduces the concepts of sensation and perception, explaining how the brain processes sensory information and turns it into meaningful experiences. Myers explores the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), as well as other sensory modalities such as balance and proprioception. He discusses how perceptual illusions and biases can affect how we interpret the world around us.
Key Topics:
• The difference between sensation (the detection of physical stimuli) and perception (the interpretation of stimuli)
• The sensory organs and their roles in gathering information
• The principles of perception (e.g., figure-ground, depth perception, motion perception)
• Sensory adaptation and thresholds (absolute threshold, difference threshold)
• Theories of perception (e.g., bottom-up vs. topdown processing, Gestalt psychology)
• Common perceptual illusions and factors that influence perception
Chapter 5: States of Consciousness
Myers discusses various states of consciousness, including sleep, dreams, hypnosis, and drug-induced states. He explores the biological and psychological processes involved in sleep and the role of sleep in health and cognition. The chapter also examines the nature of altered states of consciousness, including the use of drugs and their impact on behavior and perception.
Key Topics:
• The stages of sleep and the role of circadian rhythms
• Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy)
• Theories of why we sleep (e.g., restorative theory, evolutionary theory)
• The nature of dreams and theories about their meaning (e.g., Freud’s theory, activationsynthesis theory)
• Hypnosis: its potential uses and limitations
• The effects of psychoactive drugs on consciousness (e.g., depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens)
Chapter 6: Learning
In this chapter, Myers introduces the study of learning, focusing on classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. He explains how behavior is acquired and modified through
experience, and how learning processes can be applied to everyday life and therapy.
Key Topics:
• Classical conditioning (e.g., Pavlov’s experiments, conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, generalization, discrimination)
• Operant conditioning (e.g., reinforcement, punishment, shaping, schedules of reinforcement)
• Observational learning (e.g., Bandura’s social learning theory, modeling, the role of imitation)
• Applications of learning principles in education, behavior modification, and therapy
Chapter 7: Memory
Goldstein explores how memory works, detailing the processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. Myers discusses different types of memory, such as sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, and introduces concepts like the serial position effect and memory
consolidation. He also examines memory failure and the causes of forgetting.
Key Topics:
• Models of memory (e.g., Atkinson-Shiffrin’s multistore model, Baddeley’s working memory model)
• The processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval
• Types of long-term memory (e.g., episodic, semantic, procedural)
• Theories of forgetting (e.g., decay, interference, retrieval failure)
• The role of rehearsal, chunking, and elaboration in memory retention
• Memory distortions and false memories (e.g., eyewitness testimony, the misinformation effect)
Chapter 8: Cognition
In this chapter, Myers examines the mental processes involved in thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. He discusses the role of concepts, heuristics, and algorithms in decision-making, and how cognitive biases can influence judgments. Myers also covers
language, including how we acquire and use language in communication.
Key Topics:
• Problem-solving strategies (e.g., trial and error, algorithms, heuristics)
• Cognitive biases (e.g., availability heuristic, representativeness heuristic)
• Decision-making processes (e.g., framing, overconfidence)
• Language development and theories of language acquisition (e.g., Chomsky’s theory)
• The role of language in thinking and cognitive processes
Chapter 9: Intelligence
Myers introduces the study of intelligence, including different theories of intelligence and the methods used to measure it. He discusses intelligence testing, the controversy surrounding intelligence tests, and the role of genetics and environment in shaping intelligence.
Key Topics:
• Theories of intelligence (e.g., Spearman’s general intelligence, Gardner’s multiple intelligences, Sternberg’s triarchic theory)
• Intelligence testing (e.g., the Stanford-Binet IQ test, the Wechsler scales)
• The heritability of intelligence and the role of environment
• The Flynn effect (the rise in IQ scores over time)
• Controversies around intelligence testing, including cultural bias and the limitations of IQ tests
Chapter 10: Motivation and Emotion
This chapter explores the psychological and physiological processes involved in motivation and emotion. Myers discusses the role of basic drives (e.g., hunger, thirst, sex), intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, and the importance of goals in human behavior. Theories of emotion, including the James-
Lange theory, Cannon-Bard theory, and SchachterSinger theory, are also explored.
Key Topics:
• Theories of motivation (e.g., drive reduction theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, selfdetermination theory)
• The physiological bases of emotion (e.g., the role of the autonomic nervous system, the brain’s role in emotion)
• Theories of emotion (e.g., James-Lange theory, Cannon-Bard theory, Schachter-Singer two-factor theory)
• The impact of motivation on performance (e.g., the Yerkes-Dodson law)
Chapter 11: Development
This chapter covers human development from infancy to old age, focusing on physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifespan. Myers introduces key theories of development, including Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Erikson’s stages of
psychosocial development. The chapter also addresses the nature vs. nurture debate and how both influence development.
Key Topics:
• Theories of development (e.g., Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Erikson’s psychosocial stages)
• Physical, cognitive, and emotional development across the lifespan
• The role of attachment and parenting styles in child development
• The impact of culture on development
• Aging and cognitive decline in adulthood
Chapter 12: Personality
In this chapter, Myers examines different theories of personality and how they attempt to explain individual differences in behavior. He covers Freudian psychoanalysis, humanistic theories (e.g., Maslow and Rogers), and trait theories, including the Big Five personality traits.
Key Topics:
• Psychoanalytic theories (e.g., Freud’s id, ego, and superego)
• Humanistic theories of personality (e.g., Maslow’s self-actualization, Rogers’ conditions of worth)
• Trait theories of personality (e.g., the Big Five personality traits)
• Personality assessment methods (e.g., self-report inventories, projective tests)
Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders
Myers introduces the classification and diagnosis of psychological disorders, discussing the criteria for abnormal behavior. The chapter covers major categories of disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Myers also addresses the stigma associated with mental illness and the effectiveness of treatment approaches.
Key Topics:
• Defining abnormal behavior (e.g., statistical rarity, dysfunction, distress)
• Major categories of psychological disorders (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders)
• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
• Treatment approaches (e.g., psychotherapy, medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy)
Chapter 14: Treatment of Psychological Disorders
In this chapter, Myers discusses the various methods used to treat psychological disorders, including psychotherapy, biomedical therapy, and alternative treatments. He explains the theoretical foundations of these treatments and examines their effectiveness.
Key Topics:
• Types of therapy (e.g., psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral)
• Biomedical treatments (e.g., medications, electroconvulsive therapy, psychosurgery)
• The effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches
• The role of culture in therapy and treatment
Chapter 15: Social Psychology
This chapter explores how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. Myers discusses topics such as social perception, attitudes, conformity, group behavior, and aggression.
Key Topics:
• Theories of social influence (e.g., conformity, obedience, compliance)
• The role of attitudes and persuasion in social behavior
• Group dynamics (e.g., groupthink, deindividuation)
• The psychology of prejudice and aggression
• Prosocial behavior and helping
David G. Myers’s Psychology, 12th Edition is a comprehensive resource that introduces students to the vast field of psychology. With clear writing, engaging examples, and the inclusion of contemporary research, this textbook offers a thorough overview of the major topics in psychology, from biological foundations to social and abnormal psychology. The 12th edition provides students with a modern understanding of the field, presenting the latest research while highlighting the practical applications of psychological science.