For undergradute social science majors. A textbook on the interpretation and use of research. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

This text explores the core principles of learning and memory in a clear, reader-friendly style, covering animal learning and human memory in a balanced fashion. A strong emphasis on practical applications to the college student's everyday life is evident in examples throughout, such as the correlation between caffeine consumption and grade point average (Chapter 1), the importance of taking practice tests over additional studying (Chapter 9), approach/avoidance coping for upcoming and completed exams (Chapter 5), and misremembering what your professor said in class (Chapter 10). The relationship between the fields of neuropsychology and learning and memory is also stressed throughout. The fourth edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the latest research and has been freshened throughout with more relevant examples and better graphics. There are new sections on the adaptive-evolutionary approach, potentiated startle, behavior medicine, breaking habits, behavioral economics, testing effect, consolidation theory, an expanded section on working memory, and new applications in animal training, self behavior modification, neuroethics and artificial memory enhancement, and acting and memory.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.