Jeffrey Nevid: Biography and Academic Background

Dr. Jeffrey Nevid is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at St. John’s University in New York. He holds a doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in evaluation research at Northwestern University. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Nevid has received numerous teaching awards, including the APA Distinguished Teaching in Psychology Award. His academic contributions span over 200 research publications and multiple textbooks, including the widely acclaimed Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Applications. His work focuses on health psychology, clinical psychology, and innovative teaching methods, making him a respected figure in the field of psychology education.

Nevid’s Approach to Teaching Psychology

Jeffrey Nevid’s approach to teaching psychology emphasizes engagement, accessibility, and practical application. His writing style speaks directly to students, breaking down complex psychological concepts into relatable, real-life scenarios. Nevid incorporates hands-on activities and interactive learning tools to foster a deeper understanding of the subject. He also prioritizes the integration of the latest research findings, ensuring students are exposed to cutting-edge knowledge. By focusing on psychology in the digital world, Nevid connects the discipline to contemporary issues, making it relevant to modern students. His teaching philosophy centers on creating an active learning environment that encourages critical thinking and personal growth, helping students succeed both academically and professionally.

Key Topics Covered in the 6th Edition

• Psychology as a science and its scientific methods.
• Neurological and genetic bases of behavior.
• Human development across the lifespan.
• Sensation, perception, and consciousness.
• Learning and conditioning processes.
• Memory and cognitive functions.
• Motivation, emotion, and stress.
• Personality theories and research.
• Social psychology and interpersonal dynamics.
• Psychological disorders and health psychology.

Module 1: Psychology as a Science

Psychology as a Science introduces the foundational principles of psychology, emphasizing its scientific nature and methodology. This module explores the definition of psychology, its historical development, and the scientific methods used to study behavior and mental processes. It highlights the importance of empirical evidence, objectivity, and critical thinking in psychological research. Key topics include the biological basis of psychology, the role of ethics in research, and the various approaches to understanding human behavior, such as behavioral, cognitive, and psychoanalytic perspectives. The module also discusses the goals of psychology: describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes. By integrating real-world examples, it illustrates how psychology applies scientific principles to address real-life questions and challenges.

Module 2: Neurological and Genetic Bases of Behavior

Neurological and Genetic Bases of Behavior explores how the brain, nervous system, and genetic factors influence human behavior and mental processes. This module delves into the structure and function of the brain, including key regions like the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and brainstem. It also examines the role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neuroplasticity in shaping behavior. The module introduces genetic principles, such as heritability and gene-environment interactions, to explain individual differences in behavior. Additionally, it covers the biological basis of sensations, perceptions, and consciousness, providing a foundation for understanding the interplay between biology and psychology. Real-world applications, such as the biological causes of disorders like Parkinson’s disease and depression, are highlighted to illustrate the practical relevance of this module.

Module 3: Human Development Across the Lifespan

Human Development Across the Lifespan examines the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur from infancy through late adulthood. This module explores theories of development, such as Piaget’s stages of cognitive growth and Erikson’s psychosocial stages, highlighting how individuals progress through life. Topics include infant and childhood development, focusing on language acquisition, social-emotional growth, and moral reasoning. Adolescence is discussed in terms of identity formation and peer influence. Adulthood covers cognitive changes, midlife transitions, and aging processes. The module also addresses contemporary issues like lifespan development theories and the impact of culture on developmental milestones, providing a holistic view of human growth and development.

Module 4: Sensation, Perception, and Consciousness

Sensation, Perception, and Consciousness explores how humans process information from the environment and interpret it meaningfully. This module covers the biological and psychological bases of sensation, including absolute and difference thresholds, and Weber’s and Fechner’s laws; Perception is examined through theories like gestalt principles and the differences between top-down and bottom-up processing. The module also delves into states of consciousness, such as sleep, dreams, and hypnosis, discussing their psychological significance. Additionally, it addresses altered states of consciousness, including the effects of psychoactive drugs and mindfulness practices. Practical applications, such as improving perceptual accuracy and understanding the role of consciousness in daily life, are highlighted to provide real-world relevance.

Module 5: Learning and Conditioning

Learning and Conditioning examines the processes through which behavior is acquired and modified. This module introduces classical conditioning, first described by Ivan Pavlov, and operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner. It explains how environmental stimuli and reinforcements shape behavior, emphasizing the role of associations, rewards, and punishments. The module also explores observational learning and cognitive factors influencing learning. Practical applications, such as behavioral training and phobia treatment, are discussed. By understanding these principles, students gain insights into how learning impacts human behavior and decision-making in various contexts, from education to everyday life.

Module 6: Memory and Cognitive Processes

Memory and Cognitive Processes explores how we acquire, store, and retrieve information. This module delves into the types of memory—sensory, short-term, and long-term—and examines factors influencing memory retention and recall. It discusses cognitive processes like perception, attention, and decision-making, highlighting how these functions shape our understanding of the world. The module also addresses practical applications, such as improving memory strategies and understanding cognitive biases. By integrating real-life examples and the latest research, this section helps students appreciate the complexities of mental processes and their impact on daily life, providing tools to enhance cognitive abilities and apply psychological principles effectively.

Module 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Stress

Module 7 examines the psychological forces driving human behavior, focusing on motivation, emotion, and stress. It explores theories of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and discusses the role of emotions in shaping behavior and decision-making. The module also delves into the psychological and physiological responses to stress, offering insights into coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress effectively. By integrating real-world examples and the latest research, this section provides a comprehensive understanding of how these processes influence daily life and overall well-being, helping students apply psychological principles to enhance their personal and professional experiences.

Module 8: Personality: Theory and Research

Module 8 delves into the theories and research surrounding personality, exploring the major psychological perspectives that explain individual differences. It examines the psychodynamic theories of Freud and Jung, as well as humanistic approaches like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The module also covers trait theories, including Allport’s and Eysenck’s work, and discusses the role of biology and environment in shaping personality. Modern approaches, such as the Big Five personality traits, are highlighted, along with practical applications of personality assessment in real-life contexts. By integrating theoretical foundations with empirical research, this section provides a balanced understanding of how personality influences behavior and decision-making, offering students a deeper insight into the complexities of human individuality.

Module 9: Social Psychology

Module 9 focuses on the study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations. It explores key concepts such as social influence, persuasion, group dynamics, and attitudes, highlighting how social interactions shape human behavior. The module examines theories like social learning, cognitive dissonance, and the impact of culture on social norms. Real-life examples, such as conformity experiments and the role of social media, illustrate the practical applications of these concepts. By understanding social psychology, students gain insights into issues like prejudice, altruism, and interpersonal relationships, enabling them to navigate social environments more effectively and critically analyze the world around them. This module bridges theory with everyday experiences, making social psychology relatable and impactful.

Module 10: Psychological Disorders and Health Psychology

Module 10 delves into the study of psychological disorders and health psychology, providing a comprehensive overview of mental health issues and their impact on well-being. It explores the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, aligning with the latest DSM-5 criteria. The module also examines the biopsychosocial factors contributing to mental health and the role of stress in physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, it discusses health-promoting behaviors, coping strategies, and the importance of resilience in maintaining mental health. By integrating real-life examples and research, this module helps students understand the complexities of psychological disorders and the importance of a holistic approach to health psychology, equipping them with practical insights for real-world applications.

Unique Features of the 6th Edition

Integration of the latest research findings, a focus on psychology in the digital world, and engaging hands-on activities make the 6th edition stand out with a reader-friendly format and interactive learning tools.