Book Description
Composed of cutting-edge reasearch and featuring an engaging writing style, the author offers compelling scientific answers to the profound human questions regarding love and work.
Beginning with a historial introduction, the text logically progresses by discussing adaptive problems humans face and ends with a chapter showing how the new field of evolutionary psychology encompasses all branches of psychology. Each chapter is alive with the subjects that most occupy our minds: sex, mating, getting along, getting ahead, friends, enemies, and social hierarchies. Why is child abuse 40 times more prevalent among step-families than biologically intact families? Why, according to one study, did 75% of men but 0% of women consent to have sex with a complete stranger? Buss explores these intriguing quandaries with his vision of psychology in the new millenium as a new science of the mind.
Anyone with an interest in the biological facets of human psychology will find this a fascinating read.
Customer Reviews:
Good Intro.......2007-10-12
This was the first book I read dealing with Evolutionary Psychology. I read it after college and law school so the textbook format was actually perfect for what I was looking for. It begins with a rudimentary and straight forward explanation of evolution by natural selection. From there it gets into the details of evolutionary psychology. It is a very solid introduction to the field in my opinion. I was told that when it comes to EP to start with Buss's book but don't end there and I sort of see why. I don't think you could go wrong by starting here.
high on appeal, low on rigor.......2005-06-24
I used this book as a text book for a course I taught on Evolutionary Psychology. On the whole, the students really enjoyed the text and they found Buss's writing style to be very engaging and easy to read. I would agree.
Nevertheless, I feel this book--like the whole field of Evolutionary Psychology--requires a far more rigorous scientific framework before it can be considered a field that can substantively explain human behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Don't get me wrong: evolutionary hypotheses can provide a lot of insight into particular human behaviors. However, I would have liked to see much more discussion on what is science, what constitutes a scientifically valid argument, how do we falsify a particular hypothesis, etc. These issues could be covered in a few pages or so, and I think they could help flesh out or perhaps even justify some of the arguments put forth in the text. As it stands now, the book reads more like an apologetic and as I skim the pages, I get the same feeling that I do when I've been pamphleted by evangelicals. Buss's arguments are fraught with generalizations: studies on college kids are extrapolated to the whole human species, studies on plumage color in birds are used to argue for handicaps in humans, and on and on it goes. There are sentences that make pretty extraordinarly claims that go unreferenced and there are sentences that make trivial points that are tailed by six references.
Professor Buss does a good job in conveying the basics of natural selection, but then uses some of the most tenuous definitions of fitness in trying to make an adaptive argument: questionaires, age, symmetry, and even intuition are all stand-ins for fitness. This is a shame because in order to know when selection will operate, we need to know how phenotypic (including behavioral) variation covaries with fitness. Because his fitness proxies are so weak, I have a hard time buying many of the arguments advanced in the book. Other evolutionary forces are rarely discussed; such lapses are unfortunate since it is likely that drift has played some (if not a major) role in getting populations to cross adaptive valleys, as well as affecting the evolutionary dynamics of frequency-dependent selection. But I digress...
I hope future editions (and I'm sure they're on their way) will include a chapter on scientific and evolutionary epistemology. That is, I would like to see a chapter address the question: what steps do evolutionary biologists proceed through when they make an adaptive argument. This would be a timely and useful contribution given that intelligent-design folks are trying to loosen up and poke holes in the definition of science. One chapter starts down this road but never critically discusses how hypotheses are tested (and rejected!), it focuses more on how hypotheses are developed--and believe me, evolutionary psychologists are good at coming up with hypotheses. Professor Buss's book, with its profligate use of unfalsifiable hypotheses, does not help the cause in this respect. Sure, evolutionary psychologists can always hide behind Lakatos as they denigrate Popper for being too severe, or, like Dunbar et al., they can actually learn some math, some scientific epistemology, and help bring evolutionary psychology into a more rigorous, more reputable position. Buss's book does too much of the former and not enough of the latter.
HUMAN CIVILIZATION FROM THE PRESENT: WHY WE ACT THIS WAY.......2004-03-27
Each day for twenty-something years I woke up to see reality as it was presented to me. I noticed many patterns in life that are hard not to notice -- such as the difference between men and women in how they approach sexual opportunities. Men will readily say yes, women firmly no. Why?
Evolution is such an intriguing and elegant theory on its approach to our current behavior. Boss's contention is that the present behaviors we see today in our modern era -- fear of snakes, high male sexual drive -- arose from our ancestors. Those who did not have such characteristics did not become our ancestors. Thus, over time, certain characteristics were more likely to be successful in the mating process, and those are the same characteristics we see today. Boss's insight required a lot of keen intellectual insight into many different hypothesis.
Some of these hypothesis seemed far-fetched at first. Who would think that there would be statistical differences in how maternal grandparents v. paternal grandparents relate to their grandchildren. There are, however. Maternal grandmothers have less risk in investing in a grandchild who is not biologically related since she is confident that her daughter is biologically hers, and she can be certain that her daughter's child is biologically related, too. The hypothesis that paternal grandfathers would be most distant -- since they have the most to lose -- turned out to be true. (Paternal grandfathers cannot be 100% certain that they fathered their son or daughter, and thus, they cannot be sure that that child's son or daughter is biologically related).
This is perhaps one of the most important contributions in scientific literature since Watson and Clark's published report on their findings of DNA.
Michael Gordon
A thorough, rigorous, and illuminating book........2002-06-01
David Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire and The Dangerous Passion, brings his formidable intellect, research experience, knowledge, and writing talent to bear in this impressive introduction to the field of Evolutionary Psychology. It is obvious from reading the book that it was painstakingly researched. An impressive breadth of research studies in evolutionary psychology and relevant work from other disciplines, including anthropology, biology, and sociology are clearly explained and their implications discussed. Alternative hypotheses and interpretations of research, where alternatives have been explicitly proposed, are even-handedly explored. The chapters of the book are organized by the kinds of problems of survival and reproduction faced by our ancestors. This organization makes the broad range of specific research covered in the book easy to understand and integrate into a coherent understanding of the evolutionary origins of human cognition and behavior. Thought-provoking, absorbing, and exceptionally well written: Dr. Buss's Evolutionary Psychology text is an absolute joy to read. It is a must-have for psychologists, biologists, and any student of human nature.
Procede with Caution.......2001-01-13
I have not read the text book. I am a former student of Dr. Buss' and suspect that it will be as vacant in theory as his previous literary attempts. Evolutionary Psychology is an extremely interesting field, but as with any field must be considered in an interdisciplanary manner. The reviewers that make blanket statements about Evolutionary Psychology being the only world view might benefit from reading some philosophy without prejudging it as merely a coping mechanism. For those of you who considering purchasing this book, the last time I spoke with Dr. Buss, he had only very superficial knowledge of the more detailed and sophisticated theories in this field of study and this will probably be reflected in the text book. To be fair, his writing is often enjoyable and as others have said, does read like a novel, but do not mistake this for depth of knowledge.
Book Description
This Updated 7th edition features a new section, "Genetic Control," at the end of the text. This section complements Cummings' coverage with a series of cases from noted medical ethicist, Dr. Ronald Munson, which investigate the issues surrounding the stem-cell debate, genetic counseling, genetic testing and reproductive decisions, and gene therapy. These cases are reinforced with original readings from other noted geneticists, ethicists, and medical policy makers. The result is a text that will draw students into the most current research in genetics and educate them on the latest challenges facing physicians, researchers, and society. Instructors will find this Seventh Edition of HUMAN HEREDITY current, clear, and complemented by an amazing array of technology for students and instructors. Additional student support includes Human GeneticsNow, a password-protected website integrated with the Seventh Edition that provides students with access to diagnostic Pre-Tests and Post-Tests for each chapter. It automatically generates customized learning plans for students, directing them to text information and ancillaries that help them master specific concepts. Active Figures in the text, indicated by a media icon, have corresponding narrated animations on the Human GeneticsNow site that are included in the customized Learning Plan along with additional animations and media assets. For instructors, a Multimedia Manager provides all of the art and photos from the text in PowerPoint form, and, lectures can be further enhanced by using animations and videos on human heredity topics.
Customer Reviews:
Good Into Book.......2007-07-25
One of the better intro books I've read. Has a lot of info in an easy to read manner.
Great book on genetics.......1999-05-03
This book effectively conveys interesting, detailed material without confusing the reader. It is not the typical staugy textbook that we college students are so use to as this book made me want to read it, it was so enjoyable. I recommend it to all college students or anyone interested in genetics that would like to understand our genetic principles.
An accurate and concice look into Human Genetics........1998-03-17
This is a wonderful book for a college level exploration of Human Genetics. The chapters introduce every topic well, and in such a way that science majors will remain interested while non science majors aren't left behind. It is a great book to begin to explore the wonders of Human Genetics.
Book Description
Over the last three decades, knowledge on the molecular biology of human cancers has vastly expanded. A host of genes and proteins involved in cancer development and progression have been defined and many mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and even tissue level have been, at least partly, elucidated. Insights have also been gained into the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis by chemical, physical, and biological agents and into inherited susceptibility to cancer.
Accordingly, Part I of the book presents many of the molecules and mechanisms generally important in human cancers. Following an overview on the cancer problem, individual chapters deal with cancer genetics and epigenetics, DNA damage and repair, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, regulatory pathways in cancer, apoptosis, cellular senescence, tumor invasion, and metastasis.
A consensus is emerging that while these common mechanisms and molecules are all relevant to human cancers, in each cancer type (or even subtype) a selection of them are extremely important. For selected cancers, the route from genetic and epigenetic changes to their biological and clinical behavior can already be traced. Part II of the book presents a broad, but exemplary selection of cancers that serve as paradigms to illustrate this point.
In fact, cancer research has now reached a critical stage, in which the accumulated knowledge on molecular mechanisms is gradually translated into improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The state, pitfalls, and potential of these efforts are summarized in Part III.
More than ever, cancer research is now an interdisciplinary effort which requires a basic knowledge of commonly used terms, facts, issues, and concepts. The aim of this book is to provide advanced students and practitioners of different disciplines with this basis, bridging the gap between standard textbooks of molecular biology, pathology, and oncology on the one hand and the specialized cancer literature on the other.
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommended.......2006-04-29
This text is higly informative and readable. Highly recommended for a student of the biology of human cancers. This advanced text gives an overview of the broad range of signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in the formation and progression of tumors. Suitable for graduate students before they embark on a journey exploring the molecular complexities of cancer. Excellent preparatory text for beginning basic science researchers or clinicians who wish to embark cancer research.
Book Description
This set combines:
An Introduction to Human Molecular Genetics, Second Edition
A comprehensive text, which covers the genetic principles governing human inherited diseases.
* Includes a fully expanded and rewritten section on clinical genetics, covering human gene therapy through to diagnostic testing, molecular screening, and treatment.
* Richly illustrated throughout with clear, informative figures.
* Contains new chapters on complex genetic disorders, genomic imprinting and epigenetics, human population genetics, and human genetic diversity.
Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations, Sixth Edition
Devlin's textbook presents the biochemistry of mammalian cells, relates events at a cellular level to the subsequent physiological processes in the whole animal, and cites examples of human diseases derived from aberrant biochemical processes. The organization and content aim to provide students with the complete picture of biochemistry and how it relates to humans.
* Contains questions with explained answers at the end of every chapter. Questions are formatted after the board examinations for medical school.
* Includes a concise appendix reviewing important organic chemistry concepts.
* Contains detailed, full-colour illustrations that clearly explain the associated concepts.
New to the sixth edition:
* Every chapter has been updated with the latest information and correlations/questions.
* A new chapter focusing on cell biology has been added.
* A glossary of important terms.
* Incorporates Wiley PLUS.
Book Description
Completion of the Human Genome Project is just the tip of the iceberg in our understanding of human genetics. How can information gathered during the Human Genome Project be used? This brief booklet explains in accessible language what readers need to understand about the Human Genome Project, including the background, findings, and social and ethical implications. The author, Michael Palladino, also includes relevant Web resources and exercises for readers.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good........2006-12-18
Outdated in 2006 but worthy enough for a good read. Short, simple, and very informative.
Average customer rating:
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The Biological Basis of Human Behavior: A Critical Review (2nd Edition)
Robert W. Sussman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
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Readings in the Biological Bases of Human Behavior
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Neuronal Man
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The Bridge to Humanity: How Affect Hunger Trumps the Selfish Gene
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The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology
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Human Natures: Genes, Cultures, and the Human Prospect
ASIN: 0137997353 |
Book Description
This collection of 59 recent studies on the biological basis of human behavior explores the questions of whether the behavioral patterns we see are genetically fixed or racially variable. It offers a broad perspective from many disciplines -- plus a critical evaluation of whether experts are now better able to answer these questions or whether this renewed interest is just a resurgence of the old racism and biological determinism of the past. The articles stimulate readers to think about the questions and read -- with a critical eye -- those writers who believe they have found a simple and simplistic answer to these very complex problems. Illustrates the growing awareness of the complex interrelationships between environmental and cultural influences on behavior in humans and other animals. Covers areas such as evolution, humans, and primates; the biological basis of human behavior; the biological basis of race and racism; the new Biological Determinism; the brain, hormones, and human behavior. Includes popular, scientific, good and bad approaches to the same themes. Uses critical examples which carefully evaluate alternate approaches, and evaluates the data available to reach various conclusions -- or lack thereof. For anyone interested in the biological basis of human behavior.
Average customer rating:
- NOT a textbook.
- BEWARE NOT THE TEXTBOOK AND ONLY VOCAB!!!!
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Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications (Cram101 Textbook Outlines - Textbook NOT Included)
Lewis 5th
Manufacturer: AIPI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1428803254 |
Book Description
Never Highlight a Book Again! Cram101 Textbook Outlines give the student all of the highlights, notes, and practice-tests for their textbook. Only Cram101 is Textbook Specific, not generic.
Customer Reviews:
NOT a textbook........2007-03-23
I second that first reviewer's review! I thought I was ordering the actual textbook. Definitely beware! I wish I had scrolled down all the way and read that customer review first, but alas, I was in too much of a hurry. Now I'm probably going to have to buy the textbook from a super-expensive university book store.
The book is innapropriately listed on this website! They really should list it as "Cram101 Textbook Outlines to accompany 'Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications'" because THAT'S WHAT IT SAYS ON THE COVER OF THE BOOK!
I feel like I was duped into buying a useless book!
BEWARE NOT THE TEXTBOOK AND ONLY VOCAB!!!!.......2007-02-24
I thought this was the text book in paperback. IT IS NOT!! It is a notebook to use in class with a list of vocab words for each chapter with lined pages. Have no idea how it is useful.
Average customer rating:
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Gene Therapy (Special Topics in Biology Series)
Michael A. Palladino , and
Mary Colavito
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
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Gene Therapy: Treating Disease by Repairing Genes (New Biology)
ASIN: 0805338195 |
Book Description
KEY MESSSAGE: Will gene therapy one day become the ultimate application of genetic technology? Gene Therapy, the newest booklet in the Special Topics in Biology Series, addresses this question by exploring gene therapy as a complex technology for delivering therapeutic genes as a way to treat and cure human genetic diseases. Author Mary Colavito provides an overview of the basic science involved in gene therapy methods and chronicles the history of gene therapy by discussing successful and ongoing gene therapy treatments as well as adverse outcomes in some cases of gene therapy. Also discussed are challenges that must be overcome for gene therapy to become a more reliable and readily accessible approach for treating a multitude of genetic diseases that affect humans.
Gene Therapy: Methods Currently Employed, Partial Successes and Ongoing Trials, Setbacks, Challenges, Future Approaches
For all readers interested in gene therapy as a complex technology for delivering therapeutic genes as a way to treat and cure human genetic diseases.
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Textbook of Human Genetics
Max Levitan , and
Ashley Montagu
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Genetics
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ASIN: 0195021010 |
Book Description
This established text has been completely revised, reorganized, and updated to accommodate the vast changes that have occurred in human genetics during the last decade. Using numerous examples from human biology and medicine, the author reviews the basic laws of genetics, the common genetic diseases, and their causes in humans. He presents the latest data and techniques, including the molecular regulation of gene expression in humans and the use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) to map human genes and identify genetic diseases. New chapters have been added on human immunogenetics, oncogenes, and cancer. The author explains complex concepts with clarity and uses an extensive array of diagrams and illustrations, including electron micrographs and clinical photographs of all common genetic diseases.
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Introducing Evolutionary Psychology, 2nd Edition
The Murderer Next Door : Why the Mind Is Designed to Kill
The Adapted Mind: Evolutionary Psychology and the Generation of Culture
The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating
