Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Describe altruism
Describe conditions that influence the formation of relationships
Identify what attracts people to each other
Describe the triangular theory of love
Explain social exchange theory in relationships

Provides standard introduction to psychology course content with a specific emphasis on social aspects of psychology. This includes expanded content related to social cognition, aggression, attraction and similar topics.

This course will introduce you to the concepts of social psychology, which focuses primarily on the individual's psychology as part of the group or society. Because humans are social creatures and almost invariably exist in a social context, social psychology deals with a huge range of aspects of human life, including love, attraction, aggression, helping behaviors (or altruism), and obedience. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Identify the specific areas of research interest within the field of social psychology; Read and understand articles pertaining to experiments and other empirical research in the field of social psychology; Outline the basic methodology, results, and impact of seminal research studies in social psychology (e.g., Milgram's study, Asch's study, Festinger's study, etc.); Explain how the notion of the 'self' contributes to cognitive processes in social interaction; Demonstrate an awareness of the main research findings in the area of social persuasion; Define the term 'attitude' and identify the mechanisms behind attitude change; Discuss the cognitive and affective theories/components linked to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination; Identify the basic properties of and factors involved in interpersonal attraction and the formation and maintenance of relationships; Demonstrate an awareness of the breadth and importance of social psychological research and its impact in the field of psychology. (Psychology 301)