A comprehensive college-level introduction to the field of psychology.

Real World Psychology: Applications of Psychological Science provides a well-balanced survey of the field, with emphasis on scientific thinking and practical applications of psychological science that can expand, enhance, and change students’ experience of the world around them. Every chapter engages students through illustrative examples and cases, thought-provoking questions, and real psychological research.

Updated with recent research that underscores the importance and power of psychology in everyday life, the fourth edition of Real World Psychology invites curiosity in a Why-focused framework of special features. Why Scientific Thinking Matters develops scientific thinking skills through examination of a hot topic or common belief and the research supporting or disproving different perspectives, Why DEI Matters explores important topics in diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighting current research and its applications in effecting a more equitable society, and Why Positive Psychology Matters demonstrates how psychological science helps identify the strengths and assets that contribute to health and a flourishing life. Throughout this edition, the authors pay careful and deliberate attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure the representation of multiple perspectives and experiences so that all readers can find respect and a sense of belonging.

AN INTERACTIVE, MULTIMEDIA LEARNING EXPERIENCE

This textbook includes access to an interactive, multimedia e-text. Icons throughout the print book signal corresponding digital content in the e-text.

Videos and Animations

Real World Psychology integrates abundant video content developed to complement the text and engage readers more deeply with the fascinating field of psychological science.



Chapter Introduction Videos feature author Catherine Sanderson’s casual and lively introduction to the chapter that piques readers’ curiosity and gives practical, everyday context.
Reading Companion Videos support every learning objective of every module in every chapter. These short videos serve as both a preview and a review of the most important concepts discussed in the reading.
Topical Videos, often presented by Catherine Sanderson or Karen Huffman, use a documentary style to explore key topics in depth.
In The Classroom Videos feature short segments of Catherine Sanderson lecturing in her own classroom or a moderated student discussion of selected chapter topics.
Animations: A variety of animations illustrate difficult-to-learn concepts from a real-world, and sometimes humorous perspective.

Interactive Figures, Charts & Tables: Appearing throughout the enhanced e-text, interactive figures, process diagrams, and other illustrations facilitate the study of complex concepts and processes and help students retain important information.

Interactive Self-Scoring Quizzes: Self-Test questions in each Module’s Retrieval Practice and a Practice Quiz for each chapter provide immediate feedback, helping readers monitor their understanding and mastery of the material.