Fundamentals Of Biological Psychology (a Critical Perspective)

By (author) Neff, Andrew Steven
Description:
This undergraduate biological psychology textbook offers a critical introduction to brain and behavior. Psychology lectures open with ''the brain is the most complex and mysterious object in the universe'', only to quickly reduce that complexity by teaching simplified models. This textbook challenges these narratives by focusing on the latest neurotechnological advances, to clarify the limits of current models, and to inspire the development of safe and accessible technologies for human use. Its central aim is to promote critical thinking and inspire students to pose novel research questions that build from current advances. It is an ideal textbook for instructors who are eager to push beyond a conventional introductory curriculum. Beautifully illustrated and full of practical applications, it is accompanied by teaching slides and a test bank.
Table of contents:
Part I. Philosophical Foundations: 1. Empiricism, History, and Psychological Applications of Neuroscience; 2. Study Design, Statistics, and Open Science; Part II. Biological And Technological Foundations: 3. Genetics and Cell Biology; 4. Neuronal Communication; 5. Neurotechnology: Recording and Stimulating the Brain; Part III. Comparing Psychology with Behavior: 6. Functional Neuroanatomy; 7. Psychopharmacology and Neurotransmitter Systems; 8. Behavioral Genetics; Part IV. Sample Applications of Neuroscience in Psychology: 9. Reinforcement and Addiction; 10. Reward and Depression; 11. Social Behavior; 12. Language and Speech Prosthetics.
Biographical note:
Andrew Steven Neff earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience studying interactions between the gut and brain. He spent four years teaching Introductory Psychology, Clinical Neuroscience, and EEG courses at Emory & Indiana University, during which time he developed this textbook. He has published theoretical scholarship on emerging neurotechnology, including focused-ultrasound mediated drug delivery, and conducted empirical research in education, including experiments on ungrading in undergraduate classes. After earning multiple speaking awards in graduate school, he has contributed popular-science articles to outlets like The Conversation and recorded a segment for NPR''s Academic Minute.
Promotional headline:
This undergraduate biopsychology textbook focuses on emerging technology and critical perspectives on theory linking brain with behaviour.