Michael Passer and Ronald Smith set out to write a book that helps students
understand the complex interactions that produce behavior. They help
students think more analytically about the science of psychology by
presenting psychology through three frames of analysis -- environmental,
biological, and psychological -- that make the multiple causes of complex
behavior more accessible. We believe we are publishing a text that will
help nurture the next generation of psychologists.
But after all the time and effort has been expended still one thing is
needed: Your feedback.
We think you're about to view the best text for your course on the market.
Now let us know what you think.
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What do you think is most important for your students to take away from
their Introduction to Psychology course?
After reading this chapter, do you feel this book would help you accomplish
this goal?
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No
Maybe
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Michael Passer and Ron Smith's emphasis on analysis is unique. A goal
of this text is to teach students to think more analytically. Based on
what you read, do you think this chapter accomplished that goal? (Please
indicate why you feel the way you do.)
Would your students benefit from this approach?
Yes
No
Maybe
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Throughout the text, Passer and Smith consistently examine the complexities
that produce human behavior through three levels of analysis: biological,
environmental, and psychological. Rather than take a simplistic approach
to explaining such a complex topic, they give students a framework for
analyzing and understanding behavior. As a result, do you think your students
will have a better understanding of the causes of human behavior?
Do you find this approach useful?
Yes
No
Maybe
Do you think your students would respond well to this treatment?
Yes
No
Maybe
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Many students criticize textbooks for using "textbook speak" rather than
a narrative voice. How does the narrative style of this chapter compare
with the book you are currently using?
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Another goal of Passer and Smith is to show students the connection between
basic psychological research and societal applications. Please review
the following features in the chapter and rate how well they succeeded
in accomplishing the goal.
- Psychological Frontiers
- Research Close Up
- Applications of Psychological Science
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Please rate how Passer and Smith accomplished their goals in writing
this text:
- Help students to think more analytically about complex issues
- Show the reciprocal relationship between basic science and societal
application
- Provide students with a understanding of the research process
- Conveyed information in a personal voice as opposed to "textbook speak"
- As a study tool, Passer and Smith placed directed questions in the margin.
This technique has been scientifically proven to increase information retention
and test scores.
Would you encourage students to use this feature to study?
Yes
No
Maybe
Do you find this to be an advantage?
Yes
No
Maybe
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We selected the chapter on biology for this preview precisely because
of its intrinsic challenges to both instructor and student. It provides
an important foundation for understanding later material, yet it is among
the most difficult for you to teach and your students to understand. Please
rate how Passer and Smith's biology chapter compares to your current text's
biology chapter.
- Depth of content coverage
- Presents material in an interesting fashion
- Number of boxed features
- Focus on research
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After examining this chapter, would you be interested in conducting a
class test with one chapter from this book?
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No
Maybe
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Would you like to receive an example copy of the complete text?
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Would you be interested in being commissioned to do a more in-depth comparative
review of Passer and Smith and your current text?
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Please indicate the enrollment size of your Introduction to Psychology course and your current text.
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