Basics in Psychology is written to meet the criteria for the new Southern Examining Group GCSE syllabus. The book follows the course content faithfully and it will therefore be an obvious choice for those studying this syllabus.

However, it also deserves close inspection by those studying other GCSE syllabuses or, indeed, other courses with a psychological component. The text is structured clearly, with helpful devices to aid the reader’s understanding: topics are divided into short sections with simple headings; key terms are highlighted; and a glossary is provided.

Material is attractively presented and there is good use of pictures, diagrams and charts. A series of indicators is used to link specific studies with the major explanations of human behaviour.

The textbook provides exercises for students, some of which teachers may find useful. The material is ideal for those wanting to devise their own classroom activities.

The book claims to cover topics in sufficient details to cater for students taking the higher tier paper. Indeed, it does not shy away from consideration of more difficult concepts and theories. Clearly, students should be encouraged to use more than one source, but this is a book that very much does what it sets out to do.