Brain, Mind, and Behavior: A New Perspective on Human Nature

(Hardback)

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This is a most unusual book with profound social, political, and philosophical implications that will inform the national debate on intelligence. It combines personality, temperament, and intelligence in a common theory that demonstrates the fundamental psychological and social significance of human differences in brain function. Dr. Robinson goes from cell to psyche in a manner that will appeal to all who wish to know more about the interrelation of brain, mind, and behavior. The book is a well of facts and insights; it provides a sound basis for teaching and a powerful stimulus for research.

Reviews

"A formidable piece of scholarship and a valuable synthesis of personality theory and neurobiology unlikely to be rivalled for some time. I find the material particularly exciting since I believe we are on the verge of major breakthroughs using new molecular and statistical genetic techniques that will enable us to define the major genes involved in certain dimensions of behavior. I believe that the substance of [the] book will greatly contribute to this unravelling."-Nick Martin Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow Queensland Institute of Medical Research
"Brain, Mind and Behavior is a broadly gauged work with appeal to scientists from many disciplines. Major theories are presented, along with careful assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Future students will surely benefit from this landmark overview of a complex and rapidly changing field of inquiry."-John B. McKinlay, Ph.D. Senior Vice President and Director New England Research Institutes
"Comprises the unique combination of temperament and intelligence, which are bridged by a common theory....[T]he book is certainly a well of facts and insight, in particular for researchers trying to link neurophysiology to personality, which is unfortunately a rare approach in this field. The book is therefore recommended as a basis for teaching and a stimulus for research in all departments of psychology committed to experimental approaches to understanding human behavior."-Petra Netter, Ph.D., M.D. Professor of Psychology, University of Giessen
"David Robinson has produced a creative interface of the mind, brain, and behavior. He is not afraid to state boldly the intellectual choices that man has to make not only to survive but more importantly to live in harmony with self and others. He clearly outlines the crossroads faced by mankind and provides provocative questions to suggest a rapprochement of conflicting themes about the future of culture and mind."-Ernest S. Barratt, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
"This is a most unusual book. The main theme is the biology of personality and intelligence but in developing his ideas Dr. Robinson, who himself has made important contributions to the field, ranges wide. His scope covers the historical origins of the topic, contemporary laboratory evidence (including his own unique contribution) and social and philosophical implications. Dr. Robinson goes from cell to psyche in a manner that will inform and appeal to a broad readership: from first year student to advanced scholar."-Gordon Claridge Oxford University Lecturer in Abnormal Psychology Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford
In living up to a claim to provide a 'new perspective on human nature, ' Robinson summarizes some of the research on individual differences, especially attempts that have been made to assess the link between the anatomy and physiology of the brain with demonstrable differences....There is no doubt that this work will facilitate much needed debate on the complex quality of human nature. The discussions of human brain structures as they relate to pathology are especially interesting. It is intriguing to consider how the interaction between the evolutionary 'newer' and 'older' parts of the human brain may explain such things as biased information processing. Recommended to researchers/faculty serious about analyzing the physiological-psychological roots of human nature.-Choice
Students in psychology and related fields studying neuroscience, human behavior, and personality are...likely to find this book rewarding....This book should represent a significant advancement in the formation of an integrated theory of human nature, uniting empirical findings with theory, while also outlining directions for future work. A wonderful historical backdrop sets the stage for Robinson's current perspectives.-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review
"Students in psychology and related fields studying neuroscience, human behavior, and personality are...likely to find this book rewarding....This book should represent a significant advancement in the formation of an integrated theory of human nature, uniting empirical findings with theory, while also outlining directions for future work. A wonderful historical backdrop sets the stage for Robinson's current perspectives."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review
"In living up to a claim to provide a 'new perspective on human nature, ' Robinson summarizes some of the research on individual differences, especially attempts that have been made to assess the link between the anatomy and physiology of the brain with demonstrable differences....There is no doubt that this work will facilitate much needed debate on the complex quality of human nature. The discussions of human brain structures as they relate to pathology are especially interesting. It is intriguing to consider how the interaction between the evolutionary 'newer' and 'older' parts of the human brain may explain such things as biased information processing. Recommended to researchers/faculty serious about analyzing the physiological-psychological roots of human nature."-Choice

Author Bio

DAVID L. ROBINSON is Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at Kuwait University. Dr. Robinson has lectured and researched at the University of Sydney, the U.S. National Institute on Aging, and Brown University.