Brain, Mind, and Behavior: A New Perspective on Human Nature

by David L. Robinson

Overview

This is a most unusual book with profound social, political, and philosophical implications that will inform the national debate on intelligence. It combines personality, temperament, and intelligence in a common theory that demonstrates the fundamental psychological and social significance of human differences in brain function. Dr. Robinson goes from cell to psyche in a manner that will appeal to all who wish to know more about the interrelation of brain, mind, and behavior. The book is a well of facts and insights; it provides a sound basis for teaching and a powerful stimulus for research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275954680
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/30/1996
Series:	Bibliographies of Battles and
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1580L (what's this?)

About the Author

DAVID L. ROBINSON is Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at Kuwait University. Dr. Robinson has lectured and researched at the University of Sydney, the U.S. National Institute on Aging, and Brown University.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Professor H.J. Eysenck
Preface
Introduction
Pavlov's Study of Brain-Behavior Relationships
Theoretical Integration of Pavlov's Findings
The Temperaments and Eysenck's Theory of Personality
Thalamocortical Activity and the EEG
The Neurological Determination of Temperament
The Neurological Determination of Contemporary Personality Dimensions
The Neurological Determination of Intelligence Dimensions
The Neurological Bases of Spearman's Factors
A Reappraisal of Spearman's Intelligence Theory
Freud: Insights, Errors and New Explanations
Human Nature and the Human Predicament
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Michael McCrea, PhD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: This original work describes new discoveries concerning the relationship between brain function and individual differences in human personality and intelligence. The book is innovative in its discussion of the theories of human nature and the human mind. The chapters meld numerous psychophysiological findings with personality theory.
Purpose: The author clearly meets his objective of integrating research and theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between the brain, mind, and behavior. This work essentially represents significant progress in the formation of an integrated understanding of human behavior.
Audience: The author intends the book for all who wish to know more about human nature, especially psychologists interested in a neuroscientific perspective of behavior. Students in psychology and related fields studying neuroscience, human behavior, and personality are also likely to find this book rewarding.
Features: The figures provide visual aids to help the reader conceptualize the more sophisticated aspects of psychophysiological research, while graphs and tables allow clearer understanding of the data summarized. The references are both thorough and up-to-date, including a review of the classic and most recent relevant literature.
Assessment: This book should represent a significant advancement in the formation of an integrated theory of human nature, uniting empirical findings with theory, while also outlining directions for future work. A wonderful historical backdrop sets the stage for Robinson's current perspectives.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

A description of new discoveries regarding the relationship between brain function and individual differences in human personality and intelligence, integrating Pavlovian-type concepts with modern methods of analysis. Robinson (community medicine and behavioral sciences, Kuwait U.) develops the theories of Pavlov, Eysenck, and Spearman, relating them to EEG studies and the theory of neurological determinants. His appraisal of Freud and the broader social implications of personality function and disorders brings psychoanalytical and behavioral debates into a new dimension. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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