Supported by a wealth of colour illustrations, this textbook provides students new to the subject with straightforward and clear explanations of all the key topics within contemporary psychology. The features spread throughout the book are designed to help readers to engage with the material and include:

• highlighted key terms and comprehensive glossary
• chapter introductions and summaries
• further reading and evaluation boxes
• structured essay and self-assessment questions
• case studies and examples illustrating the application of key theories
• a practical chapter that offers students tips and advice to help them improve their study skills and get the most out of the book and their studies.

Additional features new to the fifth edition include:

• new quizzes
• updated further reading advice
• an extra chapter on clinical psychology
• an expanded section on quantitative research methods
• additional coverage of popular topics, like sleep.

This is an ideal text for students new to psychology and those in related fields such as nursing, social work, and the social sciences.