Saul M. Kassin - Essentials of Psychology.

I dedicate this book to Betty, Carol, Briana, Marc, Andrew, Malin, Jordan, Elle, Henry, and Hedda.

Saul Kassin

Dedicated to the uncompromising pursuit for a fair and just world.

Gregory Privitera

I dedicate this book to those who have taught me the power of gratitude, optimism, and never giving up.

Krisstal Clayton

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kassin, Saul, author. | Privitera, Gregory J., author. | Clayton, Krisstal D., 1978- author. Title: Essentials of psychology / Saul Kassin, Gregory J. Privitera, Krisstal D. Clayton. Description: Los Angeles : SAGE, [2022] | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2021013761 | ISBN 9781544348438 (paperback ; alk. paper) | ISBN 9781544348469 (epub) Subjects: LCSH: Psychology. Classification: LCC BF121 .K3352 2022 | DDC 150--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021013761

Printed in the United States of America

Medical illustrations created by Body Scientific International.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

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Essentials of Psychology propels students into a clear, vibrant understanding of psychological science through concise explanations, real-life examples, and active practice. Introductory psychology may be a students first exposure to the scientific methodor a step toward a career in the field. This book takes an integrative approach that meets individuals where they are and builds from there. Inside, youll find:

• Whats Your Prediction? Clear accounts of classic or recent studies in each chapter invite you to take on the role of subject, experimenter, or observer, placing yourself into the details of each study and predicting results.
• Psychology Experiment Exercise videos These videos bring to life classic studies so that you can discover, question, and experience psychological research methods and findings first-hand.
• Concepts in Action videos More than a break from reading, these videos clarify and reinforce important foundational concepts and provide opportunities for greater critical synthesis.
• Spaced, embedded study aids Visual and contextual learning hints empower classroom success and stronger critical thinking.

WHATS YOUR PREDICTION? Can a better understanding of psychology change your life?

Whether youre an aspiring psychologist or pursuing a different career, we believe the answer is yes. Technology is constantly moving the needle for how we live, interact, and engage. Greater access to information, virtual communication, and social media gives each of us more opportunities to connect. Psychology helps illuminate the forces driving our need to make those connections.

Hashtags like #MeToo, #WhyIStayed, #BlackLivesMatter, and #GivingTuesday bring to light not only the differences between us but also the aspects of human behavior that unite us. By immersing yourself in the principles of psychology, you can discover not only how these principles apply to your own life but also how they impact the world in which we live.

With psychology entering its third century as a formal discipline, we could easily offer you a huge text, piling new theories and discoveries on old ones from psychologys historical warehouse. Instead, weve tried to balance efficiency with depth of coverage that highlights the defining and distinguishing features of the field.