Here is the list I give my students.
You can get good summaries at www.amazon.com along with some pretty good
reviews. Many can be ordered tthere at a discount.
Stanovich, K., How to Think Straight About Psychology
This is a good general introduction to the concept that psychology
must be considered from a scientific perspective. I require reading this
book in all my upper division laboratory courses.
Sagan, C. Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
This was Carl Sagan's last book before he died and pretty much has
the exact same theme as Stanovich's book, but was intended for the general
public and is a bit broader in its consideration of scientific phenomena.
This is not a book I'd recommend to anyone who is devoutly interested in
organized religion, since Sagan was against the concept of 'organized'
religion and takes a few stabs at why; but the overall theme is very, very
good.
Faludi, S. Backlash
This is a very nice example of how to go about documenting what
you want to talk about-the theme of this book regards the failure of the
women's movement-or at least it's overly slow progression with two steps
forward and one back at each historical point. A good choice if you are
interested in gender issues.
Tavris, C. Mismeasure of Woman
This is a funny, scientific consideration of how women are
measured up against men in both medicine and psychology. Consequently,
when "normal" is considered the average of what is true of men, women are
seen by society as decidedly 'abnormal'. A really good choice for an
interest in gender issues.
Steinberg, L. Beyond the Classroom
Critically examines why there is an apparent lack of progress in
our educational system and why educational reform appears to not produce
increased test scores. A good read for those planning or major in
education. There are some parts I question the evidence for....but overall
nicely researched.
Rich-Harris, J. The Nurture Assumption
Suggests that nurture-our environment, and in particular our
peers-has the greatest influence on our development-including moral,
social and cognitive development. Parental influence seems to be minimal
when examined within the big picture of scientific evidence. Another good
read for those planning to major in education. I have only read small bits
and pieces so can't really comment personally on this one.
Dawes, R. House of Cards
Examines evidence that although psychotherapy 'works', there is
nothing specific that can be pinpointed as being responsible for
improvement-not training, orientation, length of practice experience, not
level of education-no single variable can be shown to particularly affect
psychotherapy's effectiveness. Important reading if you want to become or
therapist or ever need a therapist.
Cialdini, R. Influence
Examines factors which affect our decision to comply, obey, buy,
etc.-any factors that have an influence over our behavior. Written from a
social psychological perspective; nicely documented. I read this one last
summer and it was a good summer read.
della Salla, S. Mind Myths
This one is great and I have read excellent reviews and strong
recommendations from my peers for-it immediately sold out on the first
printing. This is an edited collection examining several popular myths
about mind (i.e., we only use 10% of our brains). Exploring the history
of how each myth developed and the facts concerning the truth of the
matter (i.e., we use over 90% of our brains).
Vyse, S, A. Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Supersition
I've only read parts of this one but this one deals in very plain
language with the problems associated with irrational beliefs.
Sapolsky, R. Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
For anyone who worries about stress in their lives and how to
understand its effects--correctly! this is a very readable and
entertaining book, while providing accurate information on stress, its
effects, and how to control it.
Edell, D. Eat, Drink and be Merry
Written by Dean Edell, a radio talk show host about medical
issues. I consider Dr. Edell to be the best of the best on radio when it
comes to critically thinking about health. His guidelines of how to think
about physical health issues translate wonderfully to mental health, as
well as to life in general.
Glassner, B. The Culture of Fear : Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong
Things
I have not read this one---yet! but will soon. It has great
reviews and comes highly recommended to me. The author uses many great
examples of why we fear things we shouldn't and don't fear those we
should--I am interested to see how he explains the fallacies in thinking.
Annette
Annette Taylor, Ph. D.
Department of Psychology E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
University of San Diego Voice: (619) 260-4006
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
"Education is one of the few things a person
is willing to pay for and not get."
-- W. L. Bryan
