Key Topics in Psychobiology by Emma M. Karlsson, Sebastian Ocklenburg

Key Topics in Psychobiology is a compelling introduction to the science of psychobiology, offering a thorough exploration of its historical foundations, theoretical principles, research methods, societal impacts, and emerging areas of inquiry. Written by expert researchers, this text provides readers with a clear framework for understanding the biological underpinnings of human behaviour.

This book begins by establishing the importance of psychobiology in explaining psychological functions and processes. It then examines key theoretical principles that have shaped the field, providing insights into the foundational ideas driving research. A detailed overview of psychobiological methods follows, including studies on brain lesions, neuroimaging techniques, and measures of electrical and magnetic activity in the brain, showcasing the tools that uncover the biological basis of behaviour. The societal impacts of psychobiological research are explored, with discussions on its contributions to address challenges such as dementia and addiction. Finally, this book concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging areas, including climate psychobiology and the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, highlighting the exciting directions the field is set to take.

Both informative and engaging, Key Topics in Psychobiology, is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychology and related disciplines.