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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

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Print Price: $233.99

Format:
Paperback
592 pp.
8.5" x 10.875"

ISBN-13:
9780197649879

Copyright Year:
2025

Imprint: OUP US


Biological Psychology

The Brain in Context, Second Edition

Kelly G. Lambert

Driven by the central theme of context, this multidisciplinary textbook delves into how environmental factors shape our perception of situations influencing stress responses and physiological reactions. Lambert emphasizes lifelong neuroplasticity, showcasing the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to changing environmental pressures.These themes resonate with students as they learn about strategies to enhance their own neural health. The power of storytelling brings current findings about the brain's design and psychology to the classroom. Noteworthy features include clinical applications woven throughout, and engaging elements like "Brain Scene Investigation" and "Context Matters" to draw students in and ignite curiosity.

New to this edition is a heightened awareness of inclusivity and diversity among researchers who are contributing knowledge to the scientific literature; importantly, scientists from diverse populations are featured in chapter spotlights so every student sees a scientist who looks like them. Integrated multimedia in the enhanced e-book and a comprehensive resource program on Oxford Learning Link provide lecture PowerPoints, Test Bank, and more, ensuring a robust foundation for both teaching and assessment.

Readership : Undergraduate students

Reviews

  • "The textbook provides an updated perspective on topics at the intersection of biology and psychology. The textbook places appropriate emphasis on relevant topics, while also making a concerted effort to provide modernized support materials and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion."- David Barker, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  • "This textbook provides engages students in the materials by discussing key concepts in the context of real-world practical issues."- Kit Cho, University of Houston Downtown

  • "Adds DEI as well as research updates. Pursues a vision of student-centered additions to help effectively deliver the course."- Eric Wiertelak, Macalester College

  • "I love the new emphasis on diversity and inclusion which are currently being emphasized at our institution at this time. I also like the accessibility of this text to those of varying levels of preparation which is a common issue at our institution as well. -LeAnne Epling, University of Pikeville

Part I: The Brain in Context
Chapter 1 Introduction to Biological Psychology

Part II: The Nervous System: Essential Components
Chapter 2 The Nervous System: Structure and Function
Chapter 3 Cells and Circuits
Chapter 4 Neurochemistry, Neuropsychopharmacology, and Drug Addiction
Chapter 5 Evolving Brains: Neural Development, Neuroplasticity, and Recovery of Function

Part III: The Nervous System: Essential Functions
Chapter 6 Sensation, Perception, and Adaptation
Chapter 7 Movement
Chapter 8 Maintenance and Motivation
Chapter 9 Sleep, Wakefulness, and Conscious Awareness

Part IV: Neurobiology in Action
Chapter 10 Emotional Expression and Regulation
Chapter 11 Friends and Lovers: Affiliative and Reproductive Strategies
Chapter 12 Learning, Memory, and Decision Making
Chapter 13 Mental Illness

Appendix: Major Research Methods in This Text

Glossary
References
Credits
Name Index
Subject Index

There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.

Kelly Lambert is a behavioral neuroscientist interested in experience-based neuroplasticity. She enjoys teaching courses such as Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, and Neuroplasticity Seminar. She and her students are interested in using preclinical animal models to learn more about the neurobiology of stress, resilience, depression, parenting, and natural enrichment. In addition to publishing more than 70 research articles, Dr. Lambert has published two textbooks (Biological Psychology and Clinical Neuroscience) and three mainstream books (Lifting Depression: A neuroscientist's hands-on approach to activating your brain's healing power, The Lab Rat Chronicles: A neuroscientist reveals life lessons from the planet's most successful mammals and, most recently, Well-Grounded: The neurobiology of rational decisions. Her work has been featured on several news outlets such as National Geographic Radio Show, Big Picture Science, To the Best of our Knowledge, WIRED, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her behavioral research was described in her 2019 TEDx Bermuda talk.

Dr. Lambert is an outstanding educator as well as researcher and has received multiple teaching awards:
BL Virginia Professor of the Year (awarded by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching)
BL Outstanding Faculty Award (awarded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV))
BL VFIC Hiter Harris Memorial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
BL International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Career Achievement Award

The Mind's Machine - Neil Watson
Behavioral Neuroscience - S. Marc Breedlove and Neil V. Watson
Brain and Behavior - David Eagleman and Jonathan Downar

Special Features

  • The theme of neuroplasticity is woven throughout the text to reflect its emergence as one of the most relevant topics in the discipline.
  • A storytelling approach captures students' attention.
  • Laboratory Explorations concludes each chapter to illustrate a relevant research technique and how they are applied in the context of the pertinent chapter content.
  • Context Matters boxes: Every chapter presents a mini summary of an original research study that shows the importance of different contextual variables, the intricated details, statistical analyses, and conclusions that accompany research investigation. This feature serves as a virtual laboratory experience to ignite a sense of discovery.
  • Clinical Applications are woven throughout the narrative to provide real examples of neurobiological processes and resultant behaviors.
  • Brain Scene Investigations opens each chapter by presenting a case study or "mystery" to capture students' attention.
  • Author Kelly Lambert is an award-winning educator whose research profile shows her experimentation and focus on clinical and contextual studies.
  • Contextual and relevant art depicting realistic features of animal and human models. The text presents art in a more natural style that facilitates the processing of information.