The psychology of human memory and cognition is fascinating, dealing with questions and ideas that are inherently interesting, such as how we think, reason, remember, and use language. This text is directed primarily toward undergraduate students at junior and senior level. Using a first person narrative, posing direct questions to the reader, and balancing classic research with cutting edge topics, the author draws in the reader and conveys the excitement of the field.
The fourth edition thoroughly covers the foundation areas in cognition. Reflecting the increasing use of new technologies to study memory and cognition, Ashcraft continues to integrate sections on neurosciences withing individual chapter topics. A major section in the introductory chapters provides background and information on neurons and the brain, so even students without formal coursework on the biological bases of congnition will be prepared for the cognitive neuroscience coverage in the text.
Other important new developments also examined in the new edition include: false memory research, new research on working memory and individual differences, new strides in online investigations of comprehension and reading, and new challenges to the classic research in heurstics in decision-making.
The Gold Standard in Chlld Development Textbooks Laura E. Berk
Chlld Development
“Writing Style: fabulous! Information in these chapters is consistently presented in a clear, concise style. The reader is very much ‘involved’ in the material.”
―DEBORAH GURAL, RED RIVER COLLEGE
“Berk’s emphasis on culture is excellent and I think superior to most other development books. She includes a wide variety of interesting, relevant, and thorough cultural examples in boxes and throughout the chapters.”
―BARBARA SIMON, MIDLANDS TECH
“This is an extremely comprehensive and well written chapter on emotional development. I found the presentation clear and concise, and an appropriate blend of theoretical background and detailed descriptions of research results.”
―ROBERT COPLAN, CARLETON UNIVERSITY
“I think that Berk Child Development is an excellent text. It is up-to-date and comprehensive. At the same time, it is highly readable and very attractive.”
―REBECCA BIGLER, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN
“Laura Berk’s texts are distinctive because they are research-focused and extraordinarily well-written. I also deeply appreciate the integrity of her thinking and presentation of issues: she does not dodge or unduly simplify difficult developmental problems or scientific questions.”
―ROSS THOMPSON, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS
“We (Psychology Faculty at Brigham Young University) have consistently concluded that Dr. Berk’s child development text is the most accurate, coherent, comprehensive, and insightful offering on the market. Her careful, systematic approach to organizing the knowledge base in the field serves our students well.”
―CRAIG HART, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
“I particularly appreciate Berk’s inclusion of multicultural perspectives. It is important to help students, particularly those who are just beginning their professional preparation, to put what we know about young children and their development into a cultural context. This text does that masterfully with words AND with pictures.”
―NANCY FREEMAN, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
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