The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (Penguin Reference Books)

If you are new to the subject perhaps give this one a miss, but if you have been studying the subject for some time and are looking for your first dictionary go for it.


The best quick and easy reference book around   June 8, 2002
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

Reber's text is thoroughly excellent; if possible, an improvement even on the second edition. Terms and perspectives are clearly explained with the occasional thought provoking comment thrown in (see the entry for 'binding'!). Moreover, Reber opts for a personal prose which distances the text from more stock, 'cookbook' competitors. Highly recommended and valuable at all levels of professional attainment. Buy it -- you won't regret it.


An invaluable tool for the psychology undergraduate   February 8, 2001
36 out of 36 found this review helpful

This book saw me through my undergraduate years and is still useful now that I'm postdoctoral! The clarity of expression and the range of individual entries provide an excellent start to any essay or topic. There are also some gems which you'll come across by accident - try the entry for psychoceramics!


Good general dicitionary but don't rely totally on it   December 2, 2000
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

It is good for people who are new to Psychology. If you are a degree student, it is worth bearing in mind that it is of most use in the first year. As the course gets more advanced, you are unlikely to find many new terms in the dictionary. Since the field of Psychology is so wide, it is difficult for a dicitionary of this size to give detailed definitions and explanations: if these are what you want, you are better off looking them up in the glossary in a more specialised textbook.


Great book for those new to psychology!   February 23, 2000
17 out of 19 found this review helpful

this book is a great book for all those who are new to psychology be it A level or even degree level. Technical words and phrases are expained and Important words and phrases are explained in detail it really helps with essay writing,and in easy to understand language too. well worth buying!