Chapter 1 Find Out More

Ludy T. Benjamin, Jr. (2014). A Brief History of Modern Psychology, (2nd Ed.). New York: Wiley.

Written by a leading historian of psychology, this book is an excellent introduction to the history of modern psychology. The author examines the history of both the science and the practice of psychology since the establishment of the first experimental psychology laboratory in 1879. There is some coverage of pre-scientific psychology in the first two chapters including a discussion in Chapter 1 on the struggles for the new science with philosophy. In a conversational style, the author also includes some personal information about the psychologists that provides new insights into their thinking at the time.

Jeroen Jansz & Peter van Drunen (Eds.) (2004). A social history of psychology. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

While most histories of psychology focus on the ideas and discoveries of philosophers and scientists, this one focuses on larger developments in society as a whole that influenced and motivated psychological thought and research. It includes chapters on child rearing and education, madness and mental health, work and organizations, culture and ethnicity, and delinquency and law, as well as three more general chapters that describe relationships between psychology and social developments.

Eric Landrum, Stephen Davis, & Teresa Landrum (2014). The psychology major: Career options and strategies for success (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

If you are considering psychology as a major, this brief book can help you decide. If you have already chosen to major in psychology, it can help guide you through your years of study. It is packed with practical information and suggestions—about jobs and careers, how to conduct library research and write papers, how to find research and internship opportunities, and how to prepare for and apply for graduate study.

Tara L. Kuther (2012). The Psychology Major’s Handbook (3rd edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

This helpful paperback provides information and ideas on many topics relevant to the psychology major, from the initial chapters What is Psychology? And Is Psychology for You? on through chapters offering study tips, advice for writing papers, and information about career choices and graduate school in psychology.

Tara L. Kuther & Robert D. Morgan (2013). Careers in psychology: Opportunities in a changing world (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

This book describes a wide variety of careers in psychology, including careers in clinical and counseling psychology, school psychology, legal psychology, health psychology, sports psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and various subdisciplines of academic research psychology.