Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link

below:
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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. top-
down 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, activation-
synthesis 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 multi-

store 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 Schachter-
Singer theory, are also explored.
Key Topics:

• Theories of motivation (e.g., drive reduction

theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-
determination 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.

Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link

below:

CLICK HERE