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Cognition

Cognition

Cognition

The Thinking Animal
4th Edition
Daniel T. Willingham, University of Virginia
Cedar Riener, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia
August 2019
Paperback
9781107525122

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£79.99
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Paperback
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eBook

    By describing experiments that control, manipulate and measure mental processes, this book shows how we can discover the answers to key questions about the mind, such as: 'Can we focus attention on more than one thing?' and 'Is language unique to humans?' Written in a down-to-earth narrative prose that avoids jargon, addresses the reader directly and draws on the authors' unique style ('suppose Willingham split his pants at a junior high dance …'), this text takes complex experiments in cognitive psychology and describes them for undergraduate students. Willingham has a record of excellence in translating cognitive psychology research for K-12 teachers with his bestselling Why Don't Students Like School? and other popular books. This book applies the clear and approachable prose style towards building foundational knowledge in cognitive psychology for undergraduates.

    • Brings students into contact with the primary research literature, connecting theories to experimental evidence and encourages scientific thinking
    • Addresses the reader directly and draws on the authors' good humor to make studying enjoyable
    • Frames cognitive psychology topics in terms of straightforward questions such as 'why do we forget?'

    Reviews & endorsements

    'In my experience, cognitive psychology texts are seldom engaging for students. Cognition: The Thinking Animal, by Willingham and Riener, is markedly different. The conversational writing style, extensive use of real-life examples, and the way the authors help readers to understand the mind-sets of researchers offers a heightened learning experience for students.' Jeffrey Walczyk, Louisiana Tech University

    'A model textbook; well-reasoned, engaging, clear and accurate. The imagery debate of Chapter 12 is particularly memorable, reading like a gripping scientific mystery story. A wonderful resource for students and instructors alike.' Nora S. Newcombe, Temple University, Pennsylvania

    'Clearly written and beautifully illustrated, this textbook provides not only a compelling picture of what we know about human cognitive processes, but also a primer on the role the scientific method has played in revealing the complex dynamics of human cognition.' Robert A. Bjork, University of California

    'An excellent choice for an introductory cognitive psychology course. The writing style is clear and engaging, and the authors provide fun, real-world examples that help make the information relatable to daily life.' Carmen Westerberg, Texas State University

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    Product details

    August 2019
    Paperback
    9781107525122
    448 pages
    254 × 205 × 22 mm
    1.1kg
    500 colour illus. 6 tables
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction: cognitive psychologists' approach to research
    • 2. Methods of cognitive psychology
    • 3. Visual perception
    • 4. Attention
    • 5. Sensory and working memory
    • 6. Long term memory structure
    • 7. Long term memory processes. Memory encoding
    • 8. Memory retrieval
    • 9. Concepts and categories
    • 10. Language structure
    • 11. Language processing
    • 12. Visual imagery
    • 13. Decision making and reasoning
    • 14. Problem solving.