Encyclopedia of Psychology, Volume 1

Includes entries on such topics as psychoanalysis, assertiveness training, neurotransmitters, and small-sample statistics

Kudos to both Corsini and Wiley for bringing this reference set up to date! When the Encyclopedia of Psychology was first published in 1984, it quickly became known as the standard source in the multifaceted domain of psychology and a staple in library and professional collections. During the intervening 10 years, the field of psychology has given birth to new theorists, practitioners, and innovators, as well as new tests, measurements, techniques, and applications. While numerous specialized dictionaries and single-volume encyclopedias have appeared in recognition of distinct areas of psychology, they provide only brief definitions and short articles. The encyclopedia is the constant and reliable source for information on the major areas of psychology--applied, clinical, cognitive, developmental, educational, forensic, industrial, measurement, personality, physiological, social, and theoretical.

The second edition features more than 2,000 alphabetized entries by more than 500 expert contributors; contains 800 biographies in the first part of volume 4 (more than 100 of them new); boasts a unified bibliography of 15,000 entries in volume 4; and utilizes cross-references at the end of practically every entry. In comparison, the 1984 edition claimed some 1,500 separate entries. New entries include Artifical Intelligence, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Managed Mental Health Care, and Video Psychology. Also for comparison, while three volumes of the 1984 edition were devoted to text and the last to indexes and bibliography, volume 4 now also contains text, specifically, 180 pages of biographies.

Strengths of the 1984 edition are carried over to this new one. Articles continue to be authoritative and of high quality. The physical aspects of the set (typeface, binding) continue to be good. Some problems with the 1984 edition have been corrected. Subjects are no longer as scattered, and articles are no longer indexed without relation to the work as a whole. Cross-references appear to be more conscientiously and consistently applied. Other attempts have been made to make finding information as easy as possible. For example, the name and subject indexes and the spines of the four volumes have been designed to make locating the proper volumes and pages convenient for users. While the single bibliography saves space, some users may experience frustration going back and forth from the incomplete "Further References" listed at the end of most articles to the complete bibliography in volume 4. Some of the shortcomings of the 1984 edition have not been corrected. Article headings continue to be almost the same size as the boldface subheadings and cross-references. The arrangement of the subject index is once again not explained.

Students (college and up), professionals, and the general public interested in topics as wide-ranging as Body Image, Brief Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Loss and Grief, the Nature-Nurture Controversy, Race Bias in Testing, Occultism, Ritual Behavior, and Sleep Treatment will find much that is useful in this encyclopedia. Recommended once again for large public and academic libraries.

The first edition of this work (Wiley, 1984) won two prestigious awards. With well over 400 contributors, approximately 2500 articles, and about 15,000 references (not including duplications), this current four-volume edition may prove to be a winner as well. The first three volumes contain the complete text, while the fourth offers a biographical dictionary of prestigious psychologists, a huge bibliography, a list of ethical principles and conduct codes for psychologists, and a name and subject index. The signed entries vary in length and include cross references and lists of further references, where possible. Subtopics are accompanied by charts, graphs, pictures, or drawings. A particularly interesting section deals with places (i.e., histories of psychology and examinations of national viewpoints regarding research and therapy in regions like Africa, Canada, and Latin America). Additionally, the articles about the psychology of music, money, law, and the arts are valuable sources of information. Though the selections may prove a bit difficult for lay readers, this new edition is sure to be a standard in academic and professional circles. Highly recommended for academic and special libraries.
Ina M. Wise, Daley Community Coll. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.