Product Description
The topics of this revised and updated definitive guide to scientific writing for students and researchers include misconceptions about psychology papers; steps in writing library research papers; steps in writing experimental research papers; rules for writing psychology papers; commonly misused words; Internet resources; and American Psychological Association guidelines for psychology papers. Additional topics include guidelines for data presentation; references for psychology papers; standards for evaluating psychology papers; submitting papers to journals; how to win acceptances of papers by psychology journals; finding book publishers; writing lectures; and writing articles.Previous Edition Hb (1993): 0-521-45123-XPrevious Edition Pb (1993): 0-521-45756-4 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Resource
CLear, easy to follow guidelines and suggestions for those getting started on their dissertation. Excellent advice for getting organized, creating and maintaining a realistic schedule to complete the dissertation.

Single best text to guide graduate students in psychology with their writing...This was published in 2003 and the most recent AP
This helpful book was published in 2003 and the most recent APA manual was published in 2001 so this IS NOT an out-of-date text as far as APA style is considered, as one user incorrectly stated.

I find Sternberg's text to be a wonderful guide, especially his 26 rules for writing a psychology paper, his suggestions for completing a comprehensive literature review, and his discussion of the 8 common misconceptions about psychology papers.

Worth every penny.

Great Resource for Psychology Students
This small book covers a lot of ground on writing scientific papers. It gives concise, useful information in an easy to read format. There are many practical tips included throughout the various chapters (such as using an outline in the early stages of the paper).

There are a few things that are outdated (simply because APA has a new edition of the Style Manual out since this was published). However, the basic principles are timeless and this book is a wise purchase for any student in the field.

The Psychologist's Companion Review
This book will be a great help to anyone seeking advise on scientificwriting.It is very concise and clear.It goes through the steps to acreating a paper that is sure to be a success.Sternberg does a wonderfuljob and i recomend this book to anyone wanting information on how to writea clear and concise scientific paper. ... Read more

Product Description
Applying to Graduate School in Psychology provides prospective graduate students with the insider knowledge needed to bolster their confidence and gain a competitive edge. This comprehensive resource shares personal accounts from both peer and expert perspectives to fully illustrate the ins and outs of applying and preparing for the graduate school experience. As future professionals in psychology, readers will greatly benefit from the straightforward and personal guidance offered by the student and psychologist contributors.

Potential applicants learn the commonalities and differences among diverse student experiences from a variety of academic institutions and programs. This student-to-student format offers familiarity and identification with those who have successfully enrolled in graduate programs across the country. Each chapter presents practical advice, key information, and encouragement, while describing the dos and don'ts of applying. In the psychologist-written essays, renowned professionals share their academic and career development stories and provide meaningful insight into the rewards and challenges of the field. The contributors' infectious passion for psychology will inspire readers to further their education and narrow down their program of choice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not great if you want info on how to apply
This book does offer some good insight from students and professors, but is not helpful if you want a how to guide to help you with the process.

Best Book I've Found So Far
This book was very helpful for me in understanding the graduate application process.My undergraduate institution does not have an advisor to help me, so I had to figure it out on my own.The book was very detailed and specific, and it explained the process and answered my questions a lot.The book also gave tips and advice for every stage of the application process.I feel like I wasted money on other books that only half-way explained things before finding this one.I strongly recommend buying this book if you are considering an advanced degree in psychology like me. ... Read more

Product Description
The new edition of this best-selling guide carefully leads the user through the process of using SPSS to analyze psychological data. The authors review the basic issues regarding design and proceed through all of the major statistical techniques used in psychology, from introductory to advanced level. Readers are introduced to the rationale and use of each test and shown how to choose, perform, and report the statistical analysis of their own data. SPSS for Psychologists, 3/E covers SPSS versions 12 and 13, but is also appropriate for those using versions 9 - 11. The new edition highlights the differences between the versions and now includes coverage of reliability measures, partial correlations, and using statistics for scale constructions. Comprehensive in coverage, the book reviews advanced statistical material such as ANCOVA, factor analysis, logistic regression, and discriminant analysis as well as issues related to research design, data entry, data handling, data manipulation and modification in SPSS; how to calculate basic statistical procedures using SPSS; tests of difference for two sample designs, tests of correlation, and tests for nominal and categorical data; and tests for experiments involving complex designs or for data obtained using surveys. Each statistical test features a brief description, an example of typical or actual research that might be analyzed using the test, and step-by-step instructions on how to perform the test using SPSS. Numerous screenshots and detailed descriptions of the steps required to perform the test, are included. Annotated examples of SPSS output help the reader understand and report the results of their analyses. Information on how to insert output into a text document is also included. The data used in the examples is found in an appendix and on a book specific Web site.Intended for use as a supplementary text in statistics/research methods courses in psychology and related social sciences, a basic knowledge of Windows is assumed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
this is a great book if you want to learn SPSS by your self. Very easy to follow and you can download the program for a trial period to practice. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Life is about playing the cards you are dealth with...............
This book is really worth the read. I did not think of buying it, stumbled on it by chance, the good reviews helped me decide.

It is about Elliot Aronson's life and work but there is more answers to life and humanity in this book.

Oh my -- what a GLORIOUS book !
I must say, quite simply, "Not by Chance Alone" is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.The stories Aronson weaves throughout this memoir are both compelling and inspiring.Some caused me to laugh out loud; others brought me to tears. The mixture of humor and love (both given and received) on these pages is staggering.Shining through the narrative of his personal growth and of his enormous scientific contributions is the 56-year love story between Aronson and his wife, Vera.

Life Illuminates Art (and Science)
Ellliot Aronson's new book is a thoughtful, fascinating culmination to an illustrious career.However what makes it so interesting and delightful to read is the family and personal history that takes it beyond science and art to real people and what makes them tick.Prof. Aronson's own foibles and triumphs, insecurities and amazing adaptability and thoughtfulness round out the academicwhiz-kid into a whole, self-actualized mensch and mentor. Each family member and colleague, from the baby to Maslow, come to life on the page, and his relationship with his wife Vera is touching and enviable.Her support and expertise through the years islovingly documented. Highly recommended!Jeana de la Torre, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

An open email to Elliot from Ron...
Elliot -

I just finished reading your autobiography this weekend. In all honesty, when I
signed up for your and Carol's workshop at Esalen, I had no idea who you were.
I knew nothing about the things that you had done professionally in your life,
or how you have influenced society. Even when I got your email invite to
Capitola, I still didn't know who you were, other than this man who taught a
workshop at Esalen. At that workshop, it was the first time I ever heard of
someone named Maslow and about the "pyramid" he developed. My education level
is a high school diploma achieved by attending night school, so I never was
exposed to higher education to gain that kind of knowledge. I've spent most of
my life busy working hard to pull myself up by my boot straps in order to
provide a head start for my children to gain a college education. I am proud to
say that my daughter is the first in my family to attend college.

After reading your autobiography, I feel very privileged to have met you and
have had the opportunity to learn from you. My reasoning is not because you are
a recognized famous person of achievement in your profession. It is because even
though you and I have walked different paths in life, we have had very similar
experiences as people, which I can relate to...I also remember my family's
dinner table at times becoming a battle ground. I've had my share of sleeping
on couches, in cars and campgrounds to survive. I've had my own versions of
people like Jason, Maslow and Festinger in my life too. Even though I am
younger than you, I came of age during the time you describe when you had your
experiences in life. I even had a dream so similar to yours about your brother
and the train station (my dream was of my father on a bicycle, leaving telling
me that I couldn't go with him where he was going...he unexpectedly died soon
after I had my dream) that I was blown away while reading your story.

So, being one who has had to struggle to be successful in achieving a balance in
all aspects of life, I understand what it felt like while reading your words on
the page. The beauty in reading your autobiography is that you've managed to
retain some respect of your roots from which you came. You used your roots in
life, as uncomfortable as they may have been, to launch yourself forward in a
positive manner and not fall backwards because growing to change can be
painful. Respecting our roots, as difficult as they may have been, is what
makes us successful people. Personally, I wouldn't change a thing about my life
because it made me become who I am today.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story. It is something that never
would have been told in a textbook at an educational institution. So, I'd say
that your autobiography's honesty, perhaps like your other academic books, is
another way that you have presented to society the challenge to learn growth.

Congratulations!

Sincerly,

Ron Vilarino

A Social Psychological Gem
This book lives up to its blurb hype.It is perhaps one of the most clearly written personalised historical and conceptual maps of some of the key players in the world of Social Psychology.The personal life story is well written and interesting and the images it creates of the fieldof Social Psychology are rich and from my perspective, wonderfully clear.Recommend it without hesitation. ... Read more

Product Description
This casebook provides an applied perspective regarding school-based consultation, including an overview of mental health consultation, behavioral consultation, social learning theory consultation, Adlerian consultation, and ecological/organizational consultation. Along with relevant discussion of the issues in each case study, critical thinking questions are included for discussion among students and educators regarding school-based consultation. This text includes many more and diverse case examples than the competing casebooks available, and is designed to be used in conjunction with any of the established primary texts in Consultation. School-Based mental health professionals, educators, and graduate students will find Theory and Cases in School-Based Consultation an indispensable guide in their work and study. ... Read more

Product Description
Prepare for work with at-risk youth with AT RISK YOUTH: A COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE! Presenting educational, psychological, and counseling interventions for the prevention and treatment of at-risk behaviors, this counseling text will help you improve the lives of young people at risk. Each chapter makes use of case studies and stories of real clients to illustrate concepts and to highlight, apply, and personalize the book's information. An extensive appendix contains a list of phone numbers and Web page information on national organizations, agencies, and clearinghouses that provide information, technical assistance, and other resources on the problems of working with at-risk children, adolescents, and families. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Book!
I had to purchase this book for a class entitled, "Adolescent Issues", this book is very appropriate for the class I am taking and is hard to put down at times, totally AWESOME!

Good introduction to at-risk youth
The McWhirter's book provides a nice introduction to workingwith at-risk youth.This book is undoubtedly marked towardsundergraduate students and as a result the authors do a few things that are a bt too "cute" for my taste--like using their poetry and sayings at the beginning each chapter and using a tree metaphor to talk about at-risk behavior.Also, I did not find the case studies particularly relevant but are probably fine for students with limited experience workings with this population.None of this though detracts from an otherwise wonderful book.The authors do a nice job of addressing topics like risky sexual behavior, violence, and suicide and a good series of chapters on intervention.Having said this, though, I think this is a very nice book, enjoyed reading it, and will recommend it to others who want a overview of at-risk youth.END ... Read more

Product Description
Health Care Ethics For Psychologists: A Casebook explores the ethical questions encountered most often by practitioners in health care settings. Ethical challenges occur almost routinely in health care. Issues of informed consent, respect for patients' dignity and confidentiality, the balance between patient and family rights, and billing for services under managed care are just a few of the topics that challenge psychologists to uphold their ethical obligations across the health care continuum. This casebook offers a real-life view of ethical situations as they unfold, including case-by-case consideration of critical background information, key stakeholders, the direct relevance of specific APA principles and standards, and suggested steps to resolve ethical issues. Case examples in settings from the emergency room to long-term care vividly illustrate the complexities of ethical dilemmas, and case commentaries helpfully explicate the quandaries presented. These detailed cases allow the reader to acquire a true understanding of the patients' specific contexts and the challenges to clinical decision-making. This dynamic view affords readers the opportunity to critically evaluate the resolutions offered or, alternately, to craft their own resolutions. This engrossing casebook will be required reading for psychologists and other mental health practitioners working in health care settings. ... Read more

Product Description
An invaluable collection of sample case reports from experts in child and adolescent assessment

With contributions from authorities in the fields of psychology and special education-including Dawn Flanagan, Elaine Fletcher-Janzen, Randy Kamphaus, Nadeen Kaufman, George McCloskey, Jack Naglieri, Cecil Reynolds, and Gale Roid—Comprehensive Evaluations provides over fifty sample case reports to help you draft carefully planned, goal-directed, and comprehensive evaluations that clearly explain the reasons for a student's school-related difficulties, from preschool to postsecondary level.

A wellspring of information for educational professionals, Comprehensive Evaluations provides models for writing diagnostic reports to accompany the tests most frequently administered in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults, including the BASC-2, KABC-II, WAIS-IV, WISC-IV, and WJ III. The reports reflect various disciplines within psychology and education, different theoretical perspectives and paradigms, and span a broad spectrum of disabilities.

The diagnostic reports found within Comprehensive Evaluations will help:

• Expand your familiarity with widely used test instruments

• Enhance your understanding of the interpretation of test scores

• Improve your ability to tailor written reports to the purposes of the evaluation

• Translate assessment results into meaningful treatment recommendations

• Recognize the differences in what evaluators from various school districts, agencies, and private practices consider to be a comprehensive evaluation

• Appreciate how your theoretical perspective and choice of tests can influence diagnostic conclusions

• Determine a report writing style that meets your needs

Comprehensive Evaluations deftly illustrates how thorough assessments help empirically pinpoint the reasons a student is struggling in school, which then allows an evaluator to select the most appropriate accommodations and interventions to help the student succeed. ... Read more

Product Description
The best-selling guide to SPSS (or PASW Statistics, as it will now also be known) written specifically for psychology students returns for a fourth edition. Guiding readers through the latest version of SPSS/PASW Statistics, the authors once again provide clear step-by-step instructions on analysing data using the software. The new edition, which has been updated throughout, ensures the book remains the essential learning tool for all psychology students. ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating collection of ten high-profile cases illustrating the controversial, often contentious-yet essential-role of forensic psychology in the American justice system

Written by psychologist and lawyer Charles Patrick Ewing, one of the country's leading experts on forensic psychology, Trials of a Forensic Psychologist: A Casebook is a scholarly, thought-provoking collection of cases from the author's three decades of professional experience. Bringing to life the psychological and legal details of each case as well as the personal stories involved, this volume insightfully covers those issues facing forensic psychologists, including:

• Ability to Waive Miranda Rights
• Coerced Confessions
• The Insanity Defense
• Malingering
• Battered Woman Syndrome
• Evaluating Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse
• The Implications of Extreme Emotional Disturbance

Customer Reviews (4)

Not the most encouraging read
I've dabbled with the thought of changing careers into forensic psychology. This book was very entertaining an easy to read and understand. Ultimately it opened my eyes to how much or little influence psychological expert testimony has on the jury. Food for thought, but still a good read.

Trials of a Forensic Psychologist
My order was cancelled because "quality control" determined I was not actually sent the item and they were not able to locate another copy to send to me.

Riveting
Ewing, a Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York's law school in Buffalo, employs the same case study format from Minds on Trial: Great Cases in Law and Psychology, this time using only cases in which he has been involved over his 30-year career as an expert witness. The book is well written and packed with details and lengthy segments of trial transcripts from ten riveting, high-profile cases, making it ideal for use as a teaching tool for students of mental health law or the social sciences.

My lengthier review, in California Lawyer magazine, is online at tiny.cc/Ewing.

Experts are Overrated
Charles Patrick Ewing's new book, "Tales of a Forensic Scientist" is another treat. Ewing's prose is engaging and witty - written in plain English but in no way is it dummy-downed.

Ewing uses 10 cases in which he was called as an expert witness to illustrate both the benefits and the limits of expert testimony. Indeed, in every case in which he testified as an expert for the defense, the defense was unsuccessful at trial. His purpose in using some of these "losing cases," was not to show that he is unsuccessful as an expert witness. To the contrary, though his testimony had not achieved results at trial, it had collateral benefits in the sentences in the cases of Charlene Brundidge, Judith Neeley and (possibly) Felicia Morgan.

As a lawyer and a forensic psychologist, Ewing aptly describes the differing purposes between the two. A lawyer is an advocate while a forensic psychologist is (supposed to be) a neutral and detached professional. Ewing's bias is decidedly against the expert witness" who acts as advocate (the hired gun). Ewing minces no words in expressing his disdain for the "hired gun." For Ewing, the "hired gun" does a disservice to whatever field he may be testifying. This is not Ewing's first foray into the criticism of the "hired gun (Insanity: Murder, Madness, and the Law). The words of W.B. Yeats come to mind, "But was there ever dog that praised his fleas?"

According to Ewing, too much significance is attached to the testimony of the expert witness. Even when the expert (such as Ewing) renders a dispassionate reasoned opinion, he can still lose the "battle of the experts" to a hack hired gun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderrful comprehensive review of the major issues facing prescribing psychologists
Drs. McGrath and Moore did a beautiful job editing this valuable volume, which describes the development of the prescriptive authority movement for psychologists, current issues, and future directions. Most importantly, this seminal work highlights the unique position of prescribing psychologists, and it does so without losing sight of the roots of psychology as a science of the mind and behavior. For example, a whole chapter is devoted to evaluating drug research and questions one need to ask about any drug trial. This book goes beyond simply making an exposé on the prescription privileges for psychologists movement: It demonstrates it is a good idea. ... Read more

Product Description
The Diet to End All DietsAfter you finish this book you will be able to:- Eat as much of your favorite foods as you want- Realize there are no forbidden foods and taboos- Free yourself and your entire family from the tyranny of food- Pleasure yourself with food and drink- Donate your scales to the Salvation Army- Throw away your calorie charts and diet lists- Forget about proteins, carbohydrates, fats and all the other diet standbys- AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT AND, EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, NEVER GAIN IT BACK!It may sound impossible, but it is absolutely true, as dramatically proven by the thousands of men and women who have benefited from psychologist Dr. Leonard Pearson's pioneering program. Here is the diet plan that works where all others fail. Here is the totally new concept that takes the pain out of weight loss and keeps all the pleasure in. ... Read more

Product Description
Thelma Blumberg has seen it all: children with elective mutism, children physically abused, children on drugs, children who create fear in others and children who live their lives in fear. The Baltimore City School system is a good place to find a cross-section of such children. The Jewish Day Schools also present experiences which keep a school psychologist on her toes. Working in Israel, in Kiryat Arba, among other places, Thelma sees what happens when shock and trauma become everyday occurrences. While in Israel, Thelma finds herself counseling children sent by their parents to "find themselves" – to kick their drug habits and/or their non-responsiveness to Judaism, and come back home "cured". Through it all, Thelma has to care for her emotionally troubled son, making sure he has what he needs to confront his obstacles. How does she do it? That’s the secret of Thelma Blumberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Time
Blumberg is a psychologist in the city of Baltimore, Maryland helping students and working in conjunction with teachers, social workers, and other school professionals.This book is her story- both inside school and in general.As the mother of an intellectually limited child herself, one of Blumberg's focuses is on increasing the interaction and understanding between health workers and the parents of the children she works with.Additionally, Blumberg is a staunch proponent of behavior management to help students, both inside and outside the classroom.

Quote:"Prevalent here are the success stories of children whose lives I helped transform, and included to are the tales of the naysayers who said `It can't be done.'"

I chose this book because I am about to begin teaching in a city school and am looking for tips and inspiration anywhere I can find them.Unfortunately, this book had very little of either.This book, short as it was, contained too much of Blumberg's life story outside of schools, and not enough just about working with the students.Ultimately, I'm sure she has helped many students during her career, it was just a bit too self-congratulatory a work for me. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
GREAT BOOK FOR A SURVIVOR FAN!A MUST READ FOR ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO GO ON THE SHOW!

Ridiculous, Absurd and Distorted Psychological Analysis of Survivor
This ridiculous book is a series of short articles written by psychology professors who appear to have nothing better to do with their time than to over-analyze a reality television show without understanding how television series are produced.This 2007 book contains briefs articles covering topics ranging from "The Neuroscience of Survivor" (???) to "Survivor: A Series of Analogue Behavioral Observations."None of the pieces make any sense within the context of real life and most of them are incredibly dated--with many references made to the 2000 first season of the show. Most of the writers appear to think the show has been the same since day one, ignoring dramatic changes in how the game as been played over the years and failing to address racial, sexual and ethical issues that have developed more recently.

The absurd premise of this book is that the contestants on the island are experiencing things that these Ph.D.s claim that we all go through in our workplaces and relationships.The problem is that the writers all ignore the major factors in Survivor:no one addresses the fact that lying & deception (a personal loss of ethics) is required in order to get through the game;no one mentions the fact that what viewers at home see is edited by producers and may not represent anything close to what truly occurred on the island;and everyone overlooks the fact that the people on the show are "cast," hand-picked to be mostly young and beautiful to attract a young demographic to the old-skewing CBS network.

Namely, sticking 18 people on a deserted island for 40 days where they vote each other off and having everything that's said edited to create caricatures is nothing close to reality, so how can psychological parallels be drawn to everyday life?

How can academics who know nothing about television use a TV show to make such sweeping generalizations and conclusions?They fail in every single account to understand how the show is put together, that the audience's emotions are manipulated by producers that are creating characters by only showing certain scenes, and those "cast" to "star" on the show don't come close to representing the average citizen.

Yet these college teachers waste their time and research skills trying to draw conclusions based on false assumptions.Psychology experts shouldn't be proclaiming truth based on their misinterpretations ofdistorted reality TV characters. There could be an idea for a book here--but they need to deal with the real issues involved in the creation of the show instead of hypothesizing that what we see on the TV screen represents the average person's reality.

Most of the articles are simplistic at best, misleading at worst.Having known a number of people involved with this show and other reality series, I can tell you that they would laugh at the ridiculous conclusions drawn by these highbrow viewers.The writers don't understand the show at all and instead use it to spout psychological theories that have nothing to do with the reality of Survivor.

thoroughly enjoyable read
As a huge Survivor fan I was interested to see what Psychologists had to say about the game and the people that play it - and was facinated by the points the essay writers came up with.If you are interested in psychology or just interested in Suvivor you will love this book.Sometimes the observations made are really humorous and make you laugh, other times really infomative and make you think.Although a great recycler of books (by giving away or selling them on) I have kept this one so that when I watch the show in years to come either new seasons or old seaons I can refer back to the book for interest sake.

Surviving better with psychology
"The Psychology of Survivor" by Richard Gerrig (Editor) brings the innovative reality TV program, 'Survivor' to Ben Bella Book's excellent Psychology of Popular Culture series. Providing a popular forum for PhD-level psychologists, the series aims to make the sciences more accessible to the average person. Discussing how the contestant's actions on Survivor have supported various theories pertaining to cognition, sociopathy, arousal, deprivation, social comparison, identification and many other social psychology concepts, the sixteen thoughtful articles in this book serve to not only increase our appreciation for the TV series but also help us gain insight into how we might be able to better survive (and perhaps thrive) in our own daily environments.

Many of the authors wax nostalgic about the first series, 'Borneo' in which an air of suspense hung around what the outcome of this bold, new experiment in group behavior might be. (In fact, readers should be advised that 'Borneo' contestants are frequently referenced, which probably makes one's knowledge of the classic first season requisite to gaining full benefit from the book.) Richard Hatch serves as a particularly important topic: Kevin Apple and Melissa Beers contending that Mr. Hatch's allied voting strategy befuddled the director's intent to produce a Darwinist struggle of the fittest; P.A. Hancock drills into Mr. Hatch's personality to find that he used an extraordinary mix of rational and intuitive thinking processes to persevere; and Vivian Hayas highlights the situational contexts that played to Mr. Hatch's advantage and led him to victory. Reflecting upon these and a number of other astute analyses, we can ponder the meaning of the Survivor contestants' struggles and relate the lessons learned to our own life experiences.

Several authors go on to assess how contestant interpersonal dynamics have changed as the series has evolved. Brad Wolgast and Mario Lanza suggest that Brian Heidik's victory in 'Thailand' and Rob Cesternino's strategy in 'Amazon' served to validate a sociopathic style of play that has subsequently deprived the game of its original charm, with much less ethics and much more rational, cold-blooded calculation in evidence in later episodes than before; in another article, these same two authors propose that social role theory explains why non-threatening females have tended to fare better competitively than alpha males. But if one is still interested in competing, Stephanie deLuse offers tips on how an understanding of psychology can help you get the best result possible on the show, if not in one's own daily life.

Interestingly, we learn that an experiment like Survivor would not be permitted in a laboratory setting due to the psychological community's ethical standards; nonetheless, many of the contributors clearly value the rare opportunity that the series provides to study the subject's behaviors. For example, Renee Engeln-Maddox is fascinated by the reversals in female body image on Survivor where the thin ideal becomes a sign of physical weakness and objectification becomes just another strategy to gain competitive advantage. Amanda Dykema-Engblade contends that Survivor's contrived situations can induce heightened states of arousal whose intensity is sometimes transferred between contestants, citing numerous instances of emotional bonding on the show. Ashley Hunt and Richard Heyman discuss how the fundamental attribution error is in ample evidence as contestants condemn others for behaviors that they themselves deploy as a means to advance in the competition.

On the other hand, Anne Moyer believes that the stress induced by the promise of a $1 million prize and extreme competitiveness amounts to an unethical and unacceptable exploitation of Survivor contestants by its producers. And, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, Robert Batsell proposes an outrageous reality TV program that should give us pause as to how far the public might be willing to allow the entertainment industry to go in attempting to justify highly-questionable scripts in pursuit of mass ratings.

I highly recommend this entertaining and insightful book to everyone.

Pop Psychology Examination of Reality Television's Granddaddy.
This installment of BenBella Books "Psychology of Popular Culture" series takes a look at the granddaddy of reality shows, SURVIVOR.I've been a fan of SURVIVOR since the first season and was eager to see what various psychologists would have to say about how the show reflects psychology.The different aspects of the show examined are quite varied.Even though the book is written for the laymen, it covers some rather deep psychological issues.Possible explanations about why the show is popular; the changes in how people have played the game over time and how those changes mirror life outside of the game; the effect that neuroscience has on those playing the game; tips for viewers based upon social psychological research; the importance of manipulating impressions while playing the game; how stress psychologically effects and changes the people playing the game; the intense aroused feelings that contestants feel; an analysis of how Richard Hatch won the first season of SURVIVOR; the importance of SURVIVOR and shows like it for vicarious psychological experiments; the ways that SURVIVOR plays upon viewers' emotions; how SURVIVOR contradicts the social stereotypes about women in current American culture; what has been learned about social isolation from contestants on the show; what the typical SURVIVOR winner looks like; the rational and naturalistic models of decision-making that contestants use; and even some tips about what one should do in order to win the game are all examined in THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVOR.

I've never enjoyed studying psychology.I've never seen much use for it.I gained a better appreciation for the field after reading THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVOR.I think I learned more about psychology through reading this book and how it is actually useful in real life than I did in all of my college psychology courses combined.

Anyone who has an interest in popular culture and psychology, will probably enjoy looking at this book.Fans of SURVIVOR might enjoy it, too and if nothing else they will at least want to read the last chapter that offers some concrete tips about how to win the game if they're ever chosen to be on the show. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A PSYCHOLOGIST SUPPORTS TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE
Randi Ettner
Confessions of a Gender Defender:
A Psychologist's Reflections
on Life Among the Transgendered

(Evanston, IL: Chicago Spectrum Press, 1996)
(ISBN: 1-886094-51-9; paperback)
(Library of Congress call number: HQ77.9.E77 1996)

Randi Ettner is a psychologist
who accidentally began working with transsexuals.
She has appeared in various media defending the practice of sex-change.
Ettner believes that transsexuals are born that way
--with a psyche at odds with their bodies.
She gives psychological support to all who wish to change sex.
And this book presents the stories of about 10 of her clients.
It also includes 'before' and 'after' pictures
of some of the people who changed sex.
The purpose of this book seems to be
to support transsexuals in their choice
rather than to broaden our scientific understanding
of the several phenomena that might be involved.

Search the Internet for other "BOOKS ON TRANSSEXUALS".

Clinical Book About the Transgendered
This is a fascinating clinical book written by a psychologist who works with the transgendered.Case histories lend a personal, clinical, and poignantly intimate perspective of the people who find the courage to become their true selves.

As a clinical social worker who works with the transgendered population, I highly recommend this book.

Excellent resource & helpful to many
This book helped me immensely before, during and after I transitioned. There are many, many books out there that cover a myriad of subject matter and topics regarding gender yet when I was transitioning and explaining my situation to people, I would give them this book to help the people I cared about understand what I was going through.

This book gives a very difficult & emotional topic an easy-to-read and understand overview or "snapshot" of several different individuals who go through life feeling different from society's expectations. These people come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Dr. Ettner gives the reader a chance to see that transgendered individuals are people - just like anyone else. An important thing to remember - we all are different and that is okay. I couldn't recommend this book more.

Moronic
That this author claims that she sees no autogynephilic transsexuals (i.e., men who have a sexual turn-on to the idea that they are women) shows that she has a clinical tin ear. She is good at regurgitating the distortions of those who want to hide autogynephilia though. But you could just read fairy tales instead.

It flatters us
I like this book because it makes it sound as if we're really like women. And it deemphasizes the sexual component of transitioning. So one transsexual used to wear fake body parts and get off. So another used to cross dress fetishistically and be turned on by transseuxal pornography. So another is a distinguished electrical engineer, which is one of the most masculine occupations. (Why the droopy face?) We are all just like women, or at least we like to think we are. It is what we live for. Who needs honesty? ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (33)

An explicit look into the life and mind of one of history's greatest thinkers
This book offers an elucidating look into the life and philosophy of a man so clearly misunderstood. I found it to be helpful in better explaining Nietzsche's thought, method, life and tragic drawn out death

Good introduction
I am not an expert, but bought this book on recommendation. Once over the first couple of chapters the book is very interesting. Small sections are difficult to understand if you don't know what Hegel and other said, but overall it is a fairly easy read - as far as the subject goes.

It seems to me to be a good introduction the Nietzsche and it is always good to start with a classic and then complement with more modern interpretation.

Kaufmann's Nietzsche
For a man who translated ten of Nietzsche's books, Walter Kaufmann exhibits a poor understanding of what the great philosopher said. He almost seems bent on turning Nietzsche into a Christian as well as an acolyte of Socrates's. It's best to stick to Nietzsche's own books!

Clears misunderstandings
Nietzsche is probably one of the most misunderstood philosophers, owing, at least in part, to his idiosyncratic, or even, arbitrary use of language, and his need to provoke the Pharisees. Kaufmann clears most or even all misconceptions concerning this profoundest of all philosophers. This is a book highly recommended to anyone willing to truly understand Nietzsche; illuminating, objective, and a pleasure to read.

Kaufmann: Scholar, Ox, Contrarian.
Other reviews:
1.
"Kaufmann's primary objective is to simplify and twist Nietzsche's cosmically explosive thinking into highly accessible, pleasurable fluff. A disastrous example of awkward, politically-oriented dementia. Do not trust Kaufmann and his Christianized misinterpretations!!"

2.
"See, how repeatedly Kaufman fell under the spell of 'Thus spoke Zarathustra'-a book for everyone and no one, a book offers ultimate profundity, and ultimate safety that comes with it, a book proclaimed highest by Nietzche himself? My goodness! Do you really understand this bundle of puzzles? Be warned, Nietzche isn't a safe place like Hegel is, it does separate, it does rank. Herd doesn't separate, doesn't rank, it is ranked, as a group in its entire wholeness."

I have here taken excerpts from the lowest rated and lowest rating reviews of Kaufmann's "Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, AntiChrist" for the sake of balance, for what appears to be the echo of the choir back to the speaker.

Merits and Demerits of the Text:
Kaufmann writes well, more literary than philosophic or even academic. In the latter sense this is a relief from the stilted mental constipation of unsubtlebut rigorous reflection (in sex and thinking, harder is not necessarily better), in the former it is a deficiency that is far too typical of the "existential" breeds, and the greatest objections to K. are often in superfluous multidisciplinary literary-psychological digressions, tangents and ill chosen metaphors (Nietzsche had something specifically to say on this). Kaufmann was very happy with the financial and academic success his translations brought him, and the self-promotion (i.e. ...see pg X of MY Portable Nietzsche, Viking ... ect.] present in his notation is self-evident. Too much of the time Kaufmann spends exploring parallels to Nietzche end up cannibalizing their purpose: explication of NIETZSCHE's ideas and when he succeeds, the volta turns out to be a superficial flourish.

Kaufmann:
Walter does have a sufficiently subtle understanding and reasonably nuanced understanding of Nietzsche to recognize pitfalls and other intellectual clap-traps most of which he succeeds in avoiding and demolishing in the course of the book. The amount of 'dross' as he would have it, that had to be negated limits the amount of actual exegesis possible on Nietzsche. There are MANY extended references to Hegel, some less helpful than others, and each walk the razor-blade thin distinction between useful and "fluff". For those with little prior knowledge of German history/philosophy, the gradual building up and winding down in the text's pacing is useful, otherwise it has its tedious moments for those with prior knowledge that would prefer it if WK would just get to the point. Kaufmann's interpretation sneaks in very stealthily at times, but on the whole he maintains his personal distance on the level of ideas and interpretation which in the introduction he specifically says that he is firstly concerned with Nietzsche's ideas and not his interpretation of them. The sections on Jesus and Socrates, along with the appendix on the history of the various versions of N's texts could have stood by themselves, and would still have made a substantial book. It happens to be however, that these are the very sections that he walks the razor blade mention above.

In relation to other texts:
Kaufmann and Heidegger as "traditional" interpreters outline the basic problems and starting points for interpretation quite well. Many of the "new" analytic and continental interpretations, seeking an out from K and H only succeed in doing so by myopic superficiality and unbalanced/selective quotation, without regard for refuting relevant passages supporting opposite theories, or by a certain intellectual autism by certain postmodern "idiots" which fiercely cling to an irrationalist, monumental version of Nietzsche.

Conclusion:
In relation to the quoted reviews 1 and 2 above, Kaufmann's faults are more than forgivable and his work admirable even if only as an "scholarly oxen", which is surely more noble than the pontificating snobbery and superficial apologetics of some "studious beavers" masturbating in ink to keep their cushy position in the international academic guild. As an Ox, Kaufmann at least stays relevant and does a good job of reading Nietzsche's Anti-Statism and opposition to conformity--to the herd, which if he is a part of, he was well in front, as there was no Nietzsche "scholarship" to speak of until he came along. Thank you Walter Kaufmann, you have done good. ... Read more

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Closer regulation of psychological counselling means that an awareness of the professional, legal and ethical considerations is vital.

The Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice brings together leading therapists and psychologists who have a wealth of knowledge and experience of their subjects. Each chapter places particular emphasis on the current codes of practice and ethical principles underpinning safe ethical practice and the implications for practitioners. Comprehensive coverage of the legal, clinical and ethical considerations involved in research and training is provided and the reflective questions at the end of every chapter serve to prompt further discussion of the issues. The following subjects are covered:

· professional practice and ethical considerations
· legal considerations and responsibilities
· clinical considerations and responsibilities
· working with diversity - professional practice and ethical considerations
· research, supervision and training.

This innovative Handbook provides a supportive guide to the major professional, legal and ethical issues encountered by trainees on counselling, clinical psychology and psychotherapy courses, as well as providing an invaluable resource for more experienced therapists and other members of the helping professions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Some chapters are more credible and relevant than others....

Some of the contributors to this handbook are prominent practitioners experts in their field they have published bodies of work that are known to many practitioners unfortunately other contributors are not & this lets the book down quite considerably

The chapter 'Complaints' by Gallagher and Haworth seemed rather blaming and almost paranoid

I would have preferred a more productive exploration relating to the very serious issue of complaints against therapists,an exploration into why complaints arise would have been helpful,their view seems quite exaggerated almost self centered-perhaps their writing indicates a cynicism inherent in the profession or perhaps its intellectual laziness or perhaps some other reason?

I think most of us are aware that false allegations against therapists are extremely rare as is "delusional transference".Oftentimes complaints arise due to arrogant therapists who are so dissociated from their own emotional state sometimes through overly scientific training,sometimes by habit or choice,dogmatic adherence to an inappropriate service delivery style or unchecked countertransference that they genuinely have no idea of the damage they do to their clients-then there are the ultimate abusers the therapists who deliberately seek out therapeutic power in order to abuse perhaps Gallagher-Haworth should have focussed more on what the practitioner learned from the experience of being complained about,focusing on blaming others (externalising all blame) just doesnt support a therapists growth and professional development

I feel oftentimes narcissism gets in the way. The therapist needs to be seen as credible prove the correctness of a theory or save face and this can be a huge impediment to responding to our future clients needs

I was disappointed by the chapter 'Complaints' in this handbook because it unnecessarily puts anxiety in the readers mind that psychotherapy clients make unfounded complaints this plays on the readers ignorance and is obviously a misconception sadly it just serves to perpetuate a negative view of therapy clents it adds to the whole sum body of prejudice and discrimination against people experiencing psychological distress.


On a more positive note I agree with Mandatory Psychotherapy for therapists.

Most therapists do not undergo significant long term personal therapy as part of their training programme,psychologists especially are told they should be detached and this can lead to prospective therapists hiding any perceived weaknesses or insecurities in order to 'look good' to colleagues tutors,co workers and supervisors

A therapists unfinished business can lead to the therapist distorting the therapeutic needs of the client,enacting and not being able to handle their counter transference.In order to combat this all therapists should commit to their own personal therapy in order to work on their unresolved family of origin issues.

Some therapists are not stable.Among therapists there are plenty whose goal is teamwork while others seem to be attracted to the job because they are (conciously or unconciously)attracted to power using it for selfish purposes and/or emotional gratification,there are a significant minority of psychotherapists,counsellors,psychiatrists and psychologists who are motivated not by caring but a hunger for control.

People who are attracted to jobs where they can weild power tend to abuse it,professionals drawn to abusing power seem to have particularly strong reactions if a client challenges his/her actions,the underlying attitude seems to be 'how dare you continue to think for yourself when I am here with my superior knowledge,status,judgement and insight'.

Healthcare institutions like the NHS seem to have dynamics in operation that fall badly on abused clients & complainants end up being re-victimized by the systems that should be there to support protect and heal them.

When I made a complaint against an abusive health professional I experienced the phenomenons known as 'closing of ranks' and 'blame the victim' I also experienced professional 'neutrality' as abusive.

In reality to remain neutral is collusion with the abusive therapist.To remain neutral said to me "we see nothing unacceptable" these professionals who looked the other way and maintained neutrality unwittingly become the abusers allies.Protecting or enabling an abusive therapist is as morally repugnant as the abuse itself.


Interestingly bad/abusive therapists seem to have a common profile of developmental unfinished business.They are often first born or the only child are pushed through childhood too quickly without sufficient nurturing,warmth or protection and are parentified (asked to become a little adult and take care of parent) they have low self esteem and tend to be loners they find it difficult to make friends and dont know how to be intimate[Weinhold 1992] their own unresolved conflicts take precedence over those of their clients and (unconsciously) they harbour a deep antipathy towards the practice of psychotherapy usually they are narcissists

Formal education and clinical training is obviously important but the client needs a therapist who can demonstrate a capacity for empathy

Certain therapist can be temperamentally and psychologically unsuited for treating clients.In the field of psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatry, there are many narcissists. Therapists are flawed human beings like the rest of us. Often psychotherapists have participated in very little therapy themselves. They may know psychological theory, hold degrees and have received clinical training, but they don't understand themselves and their own deep issues.

This is the case if a therapist is a narcissist. The narcissist is incapable of being a good therapist due to his pathological personality structure. He or she has no capacity for empathy. That is the ability to feel and understand another individual from his/her unique perspective. Narcissistic therapists do not listen. They appear to be restless and/or bored while their client is expressing deep feelings. Narcissists in full self absorption mode, interrupt the client's emotional and cognitive flow. He may talk about his private life. The narcissistic therapist has boundary issues: everything is about him and his ego satisfactions, not the client. These therapists may offer a thin veneer of concern for clients but they tend to be disingenuous.

Forcing psychotherapists to undergo substantial personal therapy may help to identify the bad apples before they do damage.Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts


... Read more

Product Description

Dozens of outstanding practitioners and scholars explain how quickly the career opportunities for graduates with psychology degrees are growing. Oster contacted dozens of working psychologists and asked them what advice they would offer today's aspiring psychologists. Their responses provide a glimpse into a changing and ever-expanding field. The book includes advice on making the right choice from among psychology careers in fields old and new, the ins and outs of graduate school, and the lessons seasoned professionals learned in their quests for meaningful careers. Web sites for more information on specialties are listed, as are suggested additional readings. This insightful work will interest high school students and college undergraduates, career-changers and psychologists seeking new directions, as well as guidance counselors and parents.

Psychology is one of the most popular majors in college today, with the number of students enrolled in the discipline having surged some 200% in the last 10 years. In this book, dozens of outstanding practitioners and scholars explain how quickly the career opportunities for graduates with psychology degrees are growing—in talk therapy and clinical research, but also at agencies ranging from the CIA and Homeland Security to the Library of Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In preparing his book, Oster contacted dozens of working psychologists and asked them what advice they would offer today's aspiring psychologists. Their responses provide a glimpse into a changing and ever-expanding field. Dozens of contributors recall their thoughts and actions as they plotted careers—or landed jobs by surprise. From one psychologist who put her research aside to become president of a university, to another who ended his work with children to become an author of psychological mystery books, the dozens of practitioners interviewed share the sometimes-humorous, often-difficult experiences and decisions they faced as they completed their college years and built successful careers.

The book includes advice on making the right choice from among psychology careers in fields old and new, the ins and outs of graduate school, and the lessons seasoned professionals learned in their quests for meaningful careers. Web sites for more information on specialties are listed, as are suggested additional readings. The book also includes sections on making the most of undergraduate years, and on balancing the demands of career and family.

Product Description
Text, for students and therapists, introducing the main theories of psychology and how to apply them to help athletes perform better. Follows a progression of five theories, shows how each theory applies to a single case, and then applies the theories to other cases, and writes an original process plan. Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A hoot!
Dr. Lester's story about becoming a psychologist is a great read.His has a way with words and should submit it to the networks so there would be an intelligent sit-com on television.The writing is similar to Larry Gilbert's work on MASH.My husband told me whatever book I was reading, I couldn't read in bed anymore because I kept waking him up snorting with laughter.A must read for anyone wanting to become a mental health professional (or knows lives with one).As a psychotherapist, the stories hit home.Good work! ... Read more