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You are remarkable: You experience a vast range of thoughts and feelings, including falling in love, remembering last Tuesday, and contemplating the meaning of life. And you can carry all sorts of astonishing behaviours, such as sauntering down the street, singing in falsetto and riding a unicycle. Psychologists study every aspect of how you think, feel, and behave.
Richard Wiseman takes you on a personal journey into this fascinating world, focusing on what makes for meaningful research. He explores how psychology reveals the hidden workings of the mind, boosts critical thinking, debunks myths, improves lives, and informs debates in politics, philosophy, and education. This insider's guide lifts the lid on how psychologists go about their work, examines contemporary challenges associated with studying the mind, and encourages students and researchers to reflect on why they do what they do.
If you've ever wanted to think like a psychologist, spot a liar, uncover the truth about happiness, or discover how to create a more altruistic society, then this book is for you.
List of contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 How Does Your Mind Really Work?
2 A Unique Toolkit
3 Myth Busting
4 Informing and Resolving Debate
5 Creating a Better World
Conclusion
Notes
References and Further Reading
About the author
Richard Wiseman is Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, and the bestselling author of numerous books which have been translated into over thirty languages. He has given keynote addresses to The Royal Society, The Swiss Economic Forum, Google and Amazon. He is the creator of the YouTube channel Quirkology which has two and a half million subscribers.
Summary
You are remarkable: You experience a vast range of thoughts and feelings, including falling in love, remembering last Tuesday, and contemplating the meaning of life. And you can carry all sorts of astonishing behaviours, such as sauntering down the street, singing in falsetto and riding a unicycle. Psychologists study every aspect of how you think, feel, and behave.
Richard Wiseman takes you on a personal journey into this fascinating world, focusing on what makes for meaningful research. He explores how psychology reveals the hidden workings of the mind, boosts critical thinking, debunks myths, improves lives, and informs debates in politics, philosophy, and education. This insider's guide lifts the lid on how psychologists go about their work, examines contemporary challenges associated with studying the mind, and encourages students and researchers to reflect on why they do what they do.
If you've ever wanted to think like a psychologist, spot a liar, uncover the truth about happiness, or discover how to create a more altruistic society, then this book is for you.
Report
"This engaging yet scrupulous introduction is ideal for those who wonder what psychology is really about."
Uta Frith, University College London
"Reading this one-of-a-kind book, you feel as if you're in a personal conversation with Richard Wiseman, one of the world's most creative psychologists. He beautifully explains how psychologists gain insight into the human mind, expertly regales you with findings that are fascinating and surprising, and uncovers some of the many ways in which psychology improves lives. Perfect for students and professionals alike."
Elizabeth Loftus, Past President, Association for Psychological Science
"A fantastic book. No one is better than Richard Wiseman to write about what psychology does and doesn't offer. The quality of the writing and research reported is excellent."
Cara Flanagan, top-selling author of A level psychology textbooks
"This wonderfully entertaining book celebrates why psychology really matters, calls for even more meaningful research, and presents a manifesto for change. A thought-provoking text that is deserving of serious consideration by both students and professional psychologists."
Adrian Owen, OBE, neuroscientist and author, Western University
