Includes bibliographical references and index.

The human mind is both extraordinary and compelling. But this is more than a collection of case studies; it is a selection of stories that illustrate some of the most extreme forms of human behaviour. From the leader who convinced his followers to kill themselves to the man who lost his memory; from the boy who was brought up as a girl to the woman with several personalities, Geoff Rolls illustrates some of the most fundamental tenets of psychology. Each case study has provided invaluable insights for scholars and researchers, and amazed the public at large. Several have been the inspiration for works of fiction, for example the story of Kim Peek, the real Rain Man. This new edition features three new case studies, including the story of Charles Decker, who was tried for the attempted murder of two people but acquitted on the basis of a neurological condition, and Dorothy Martin, whose persisting belief in an impending alien invasion is an illuminating example of cognitive dissonance. In addition, each case study is contextualized with more typical behaviour, while the latest thinking in each sub-field is also discussed. Classic Case Studies in Psychology is accessibly written and requires no prior knowledge of psychology, just an interest in the human condition. It is a book that will amaze, sometimes disturb, but above all enlighten its readers--Provided by publisher. This is a fascinating collection of human stories. Some are well-known case studies that have informed clinical practice, others are relatively unknown. For this edition, Rolls has added recent research findings on each case study of Washoe, the ape who could communicate; the much debated case of Holly Ramona and repressed memory; and Kim Peek, the real 'Rainman'. Classic Case Studies in Psychology is for everyone who has ever wondered about the stranger side of life. No prior knowledge of psychology is required, just an open mind. This new edition of Classic Case Studies is the essential selection of case studies and stories that illustrate not only many of the most fundamental tenets of psychology, but also some of the most extreme forms of human behavior. The human mind is both extraordinary and compelling. From the leader who convinced his followers to kill themselves to the man who lost his memory, these famous accounts have provided invaluable insights for scholars and researchers and amazed the public at large. Brough to life by Rolls, each case is contextualized with more typical behaviour, while the latest thinking in each subfield is also discussed. Revised and updated, the new edition features two new case studies, including the 'Jim Twins' by Thomas Bouchard, an amazing case of twins separated at birth and adopted by different parents, yet when reunited 30 years later shared so many behavioural characteristics. Also featuring a new chapter on approaches, issues and debates, accessibly written and requiring no prior knowledge of psychology, this book is essential reading for A-Level students and undergraduates alike. Geoff Rolls has taught psychology for over 26 years and is currently Head of Psychology at Peter Symonds College, Winchester. He is the author of the popular Women Can't Park, Men Can't Pack (Chambers, 2009), which investigates gender stereotypes (including driving), and also Taking the Proverbial (Chambers, 2007), which explores the psychological truth behind well-known proverbs and sayings. . Heard about the child who was locked away from the world until the age of 13? Or the man who was turned on by prams? From the woman with multiple personalities, to the man with no brain, this is a compelling collection of truly unique psychological case studies. A strange book full of even stranger stories, Classic Case Studies in Psychology is a collection of fascinating human stories. Some are well-known case studies, others are almost completely unknown. All present revealing insights into the human mind and behaviour, giving a whole new perspective on the mystery of human psychology. Classic Case Studies in Psychology is for everyone whoʼs ever wondered about the stranger side of life. It requires no prior knowledge of psychology just an open mind. -- HodderArnold.