Essentials of Psychology
Second Edition
- Krisstal D. Clayton - University of North Texas
- Gregory J. Privitera - St. Bonaventure University
- Saul Kassin - John Jay College of Criminal Justice, USA
Other Titles in:
Psychology (General)
Psychology (General)
January 2026 | 900 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Psychology exists all around us. In Essentials of Psychology, Second Edition, authors Krisstal D. Clayton, Gregory J. Privitera, and Saul Kassin take students on a journey from the laboratory to the real world, demonstrating the breadth of applications of psychological science to everyday life. In every chapter, students assume the role of a psychologist, carrying out experiments, making predictions, and investigating the results. Compelling storytelling, real-life examples, and the authors’ applied pedagogy encourage critical thinking and engagement throughout. In the new edition, the authors expand the coverage of research methods and scientific thinking, while addressing what matters most to today's students—from social media's psychological impact to evidence-based sleep strategies—preparing them to be smart consumers of information.
This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates high quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
Instructors, see how Vantage works!
Take a brief self-guided tour with our interactive demo
This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates high quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
Instructors, see how Vantage works!
Take a brief self-guided tour with our interactive demo
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Student Success Guide
Chapter 1: Psychology’s Place in the World
Chapter 2: Psychology and its Methods
Chapter 3: Behavioral Neuroscience
Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception
Chapter 5: Consciousness
Chapter 6: Learning
Chapter 7: Memory
Chapter 8: Thought, Language, and Intelligence
Chapter 9: Personality
Chapter 10: Life Span Development and Its Contexts
Chapter 11: Social and Cultural Influences
Chapter 12: Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 13: Health, Stress, and Wellness
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 15: Treatment and Interventions
Glossary
References
Supplements
If you are looking for a comprehensive and approachable Introduction to Psychology textbook, this is the textbook for you! My students regularly share with me that this is the first textbook that they actually want to read!
University of North Texas
Survey
I feel that Kassin's textbook is an excellent starting point for any Intro to Psychology professor and is exceptional information for students to learn no matter their own academic discipline.
SUNY - Cobleskill
Review