Product Description

The unique approach of this book is that it provides comprehensive coverage of only the most popular areas of the AQA A A2 specification: relationships, pro- and anti-social behaviour, biological rhythms, cognitive development, social and personality development, evolutionary explanationsof human behaviour, psychopathology, treating mental disorders, plus issues, debates and approaches. This core textbook offers students the opportunity to improve their grades and have their very own expert to take home the friendly examiner - The Complete Companion!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21572 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 338 pages

Customer Reviews

The best A2 book out there by miles
I really don't understand the negative review of the UAE student for this book. I have used this text with my students since its launch, and it serves the purpose more than well. The other reviewer doesn't appear to understand the real aim of the book, that is to cover the most poular subsections of the syllabus without having to carry around all the chapters that would never be used anyway. The two authors have put a great deal of thought into what they have (and haven't included), and students find this a tremendously accessible book. Theories and research studies are clear, colour coded and the AO2 material is given its own special place. The authors don't hide from providing extensive AO2 in difficult areas, and so should be applauded for that. Each topic is layed out in a double page spread. That approach takes a little getting used to if you are used (like most of us are) to the conventional running text of traditional textbooks, but is much, much better when you do. The book is just brilliant, it makes the process of teaching that much easier, because the material is so clear, and leaves the teacher with so much more time to talk about peripheral issues and exam performance. My students have never looked back since switching (from Eysenck's book) to this text. The grades have improved as well. Maybe that's due to my excellent teaching, but I have a sneaky feeling it's more due to this excellent book. Incidentally, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the same authors have produced a pocket sized 'mini-companion' using the same material in abridged and very user friendly format. If you fail the A level after buying this book, I can only assume that you haven't yet taken it out of the bag!

Why people giving this low score - this book great
I see that 2 teachers are slating this book, but my whole class uses this book and is teacher recommended. Fair enougth people may not like the fact that it is very concise and doesnt elaborate too much. But i believe thuis is what makes a perfect a level book - just gives you the facts you need to do well in the exam, which thias book does. Its great for taking the notes you need. It has no unneccesary information, and doesnt waffle on about irrlevant stuff. A level is hard enough without a book that gives you an information overload and assumes you want to know everything about psychology.

Textbook
I'm mainly writing this review, to make the point that has not necessarily been made clear. This is the textbook version of this series for the A2 exams, 'The Exam Companion' equivalant is the book specifically for revision.
As a textbook, it depends what your needs are for the book. If you are buying one for your own personal use, you should find this very useful as it is written by the right people and not overly detailed like many textbooks out there. If, however, you are using it to compliment your classwork, all psychology textbooks use different studies etc. and this textbook (while probably contatining everything you need) is without a doubt concise.
To be clear this would not be suitable as a revision guide, but depending on your needs, could be a useful textbook.