Why We Do the Things We Do Psychology in a Nutshell

Can you really tell a criminal by the bumps on his head? What does a memory look like? Can a machine think? Why are some people shy? Is it better not to feel so much? These are some of the many questions that are discussed in this comprehensive yet accessible introduction to psychology. The workings of the mind have fascinated us for centuries, but the key theories of psychology are often so complicated that it is almost impossible for the casual reader to understand. This book unlocks the important studies and theories in a series of simple questions and answers that shine new and uncomplicated light on the important aspects of psychology. It will demystify the key questions by tracking their origins in the writings of some of the most prominent thinkers in various fields, showing how these ideas and concepts have developed over time.

Joel Levy is the author of Boost Your Brain and A Curious History of Mathematics.