Cognitive Psychology in a Changing World

This unique textbook explores core cognitive psychology topics from an innovative new perspective, focusing on key real-world issues to show how we understand and experience the world.

The book examines compelling topics such as creativity, problem-solving, reasoning, rationality and language, all within the context of modern 21st century life. Each chapter demonstrates how this vibrant and constantly evolving discipline is at the heart of some of the biggest issues facing us all today. The last chapter discusses the future of cognitive psychology, which includes guidance on conducting rigorous, replicable research and how to use skills from cognitive psychology to be an effective student. Packed with pedagogical features, each chapter includes boxed examples of cognitive psychology in the real world and engaging ‘try it yourself’ features. Each chapter also includes objectives, a range of illustrative figures, chapter summaries, key readings and a glossary for ease of use. The book is fully supported by original online resources for students and instructors.

Offering a new model for the study of cognitive psychology that brings the subject alive, the book is essential reading for all students studying psychology and related disciplines.

Linden J. Ball is Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Director of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, UK. He is Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Cognitive Psychology, Associate Editor of Thinking & Reasoning and Series Editor for Routledge’s Current Issues in Thinking & Reasoning book series.

Laurie T. Butler is Professor of Psychology, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Science of Engineering at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. He is a Visiting Professor at Tohoku University, Japan, and at the University of Reading, UK. His research interests include nutrition and cognition, ageing, memory and choice, as well as behaviour change.

Susan M. Sherman is Reader in Psychology at Keele University, UK. She is Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and has served as Chair of the BPS Cognitive Section and Deputy Chair of the BPS Research Board. Her research interests include false memory, word recognition and attitudes towards health behaviours such as screening and vaccination.

Helen St. Clair-Thompson is Reader at Newcastle University, UK. She is Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She was a member of the British Psychological Society Cognitive Section Committee from 2010 until 2017, and is currently a member of the British Psychological Society Undergraduate Education Committee.