How we Behave: an Introduction to Psychology

Abstract

AMIDST the mass of psychological works that emanate from the printing presses at the present time, this little book deserves more than a passing notice. It is one of an admirable series designed, in the words of the prospectus, “to meet a widespread demand from working-class students for inexpensive introductory books on subjects studied in elementary classes,” and published under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association. The present work fully keeps up the high standard set by others in the series. It is, indeed, remarkable with what success Prof. Heath has tackled the task, that one would have been inclined to pronounce impossible, of giving an adequate introduction to psychology within the limits of ninety small pages. It is of course intended as an introduction and not a complete survey of the subject, and it is a merit of the work that it constantly suggests further questions in a way which cannot fail to stimulate the student to carry on his inquiries. The general scope of the work is sufficiently indicated by the chapter headings: “The Nature and Aim of Psychology,” “The Subject Matter of Psychology,” “The Development of Animal Behaviour,” “The Development of Human Behaviour, (1) Towards a more Unified Response of the Self as a Whole, (2) Towards Completer Adjustment to the Full Realities of the Environment.”