In a concise and accessible 14-chapter format, ESSENTIALS OF PSYCHOLOGY, 5TH EDITION retains the effective features of Bernstein's PSYCHOLOGY, 8TH EDITION and incorporates important findings from the latest research. Combining extensive pedagogical support with an emphasis on active learning, the text challenges students to learn by doing—to actively participate using materials from the text and to think about what they're learning as opposed to passively receiving written information. The text's integrated pedagogical system helps students master the material by supporting the elements of the PQ4R (Preview, Question, Read, Recite, Review, and Reflect) study system. Hallmark features include Linkages that show how topics in psychology are interrelated, Thinking Critically sections that apply a five-question approach to one topic in each chapter, and Focus on Research sections organized around questions to help readers think objectively about research questions and results.