I pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. I had planned to study nuclear physics, but
when I discovered in an introductory psychology course that psychology was really a science, I decided that was
what I wanted to do. Before changing my major, I talked with several professors and visited their laboratories,
and when I saw what physiological psychologists do, I knew that I had found my niche. I stayed on at Illinois and
received my Ph.D. Then, after a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa, I came to the University
of Massachusetts, where I�ve been ever since.
When I arrived at UMass I established a laboratory where I investigated the role of the limbic system in species-typical
and learned behaviors, continuing work I had done at the University of Illinois. I received several Biomedical
Research Support Grants and a research grant from NICHD. As I became more involved in textbook writing, I began
to focus my attention more and more on this activity and on my teaching.
I took the opportunity afforded by my first sabbatical leave to write the first edition of Physiology of Behavior.
I very much enjoyed the experience, and this endeavor taught me much more about behavioral neuroscience. I was
gratified with the positive response of my students and of the colleagues who adopted the book. The pleasure provided
by this response and by the enjoyment of keeping up with the literature and writing about it has kept me going
for 11 editions. (I have no plans to stop writing.)
I retired from UMass in the fall of 2004 but continue to keep up with developments in the field of behavioral neuroscience
and revise my book. The Psychology Department has kindly let me keep an office at the university, which makes it
easier for me to continue interacting with my former colleagues.
My interests outside of writing include spending time with our family, traveling, fly fishing, skiing, and flying
our small airplane."
--Neil Carlson
Summary
The most current, comprehensive, and teachable text for Biopsychology
Thoughtfully organized,Physiology of Behaviorprovides a scholarly yet accessible portrait of the dynamic interaction between biology and behavior. Close collaboration between the author and a talented artist has resulted in beautiful, accurate, and pedagogically effective illustrations in every chapter.
No other author compares to Carlson when it comes to thoroughly updating research. This revision incorporates the latest discoveries in biological psychology, and includes over 400 new references.
Integrated for the first time with MyPsychLab, featuring an interactive Virtual Brain, chapter study plans, flashcards, and other resources, Carlson's 11thedition offers students an immersive and engaging experience.
A better teaching and learning experience
This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience- for you and your students. Here's how:
Personalize Learning- The new MyPsychLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals.
Improve Critical Thinking- Section Summaries with Thought Questions help students test their understanding of the materials.
Engage Students- A close collaboration between the author and a talented artist has resulted in beautiful, accurate, and pedagogically effective illustrations in every chapter.
Explore Research- In light of the rapidly
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Ch. 1 Introduction 1
Ch. 2 Structure and Functions of Cells of the Nervous System 26
Ch. 3 Structure of the Nervous System 63
Ch. 4 Psychopharmacology 96
Ch. 5 Methods and Strategies of Research 130
Ch. 6 Vision 160
Ch. 7 Audition, the Body Senses, and the Chemical Senses 200
Ch. 8 Control of Movement 242
Ch. 9 Sleep and Biological Rhythms 270
Ch. 10 Reproduction Behavior 304
Ch. 11 Emotion 339
Ch. 12 Ingestive Behavior: Drinking 371
Ch. 13 Ingestive Behavior: Eating 392
Ch. 14 Learning and Memory: Basic Mechanisms 423
Ch. 15 Relational Learning and Amnesia 466
Ch. 16 Human Communication 495
Ch. 17 Schizophrenia and the Affective Disorders 527
Ch. 18 Anxiety Disorders, Autistic Disorder, and Stress Disorders 557
Ch. 19 Drug Abuse 582
References 611
Name Index 669
Subject Index 678
