I. New and Updated Content

Updated content ensures a contemporary survey of the field

• UPDATED! The art and visual program has been updated to give the Twelfth Edition a modern, cohesive feel, as well as to keep up with the latest findings and studies in the field.


• UPDATED! The Twelfth Edition’s updated research reflects both the enormous advances made in research methods and the discoveries these methods have revealed. By covering the latest methods and techniques, the authors ensure that the text stays atop the latest trends and findings in the field.


• New co-author Melissa Birkett joins Neil Carlson for the Twelfth Edition, assisting in revisions to the chapter structure and the addition of new pedagogical features, which include learning objectives and revised thought questions.

A more robust learning architecture guides student through the text and highlights key concepts

• As compared to previous editions, key information has been better scaffolded within each chapter. The authors have reorganized material so that readers can better identify important concepts and also better see how those concepts relate to each other in more comprehensive patterns.


• Learning objectives at the beginning of each major section of the text help students identify and understand the key points from each section. The learning objectives are revisited in summaries at the end of each section.


• Subheadings in each chapter correspond with the learning objectives and are reinforced in the learning objective summary for each section.

II. Highlights of Chapter-by-Chapter Revisions

Chapter 1

• A new case study reflecting an application of neuroscience research was added to open the chapter.


• An emphasis on neuroplasticity as an important theme in neuroscience was added.


• New content on contemporary developments in the field of neuroscience was added.


• A new section including information about ethical considerations in research with human participants was added.


• A summary of new research in support of strategies for learning (along with practical suggestions for readers) was added.

Chapter 4

• A new case study was added to the beginning of the chapter, including information about bath salts.


• Additional content addressing organization of the field of pharmacology was added.

Chapter 5

• Information about deep brain stimulation techniques and application was added.

Chapter 6

• The beginning of the chapter was reorganized to provide an introduction to sensation and perception.


• The structure of this chapter was rearranged to better align with the format of subsequent chapters.


• New content was added to provide an overview of the visual pathway.


• The topic of blindsight was added to this chapter.

Chapter 7

• A new case study was added to the beginning of the chapter, highlighting the experience of congenital lack of pain receptors.


• Information about the application of mirror box therapy for phantom limb pain was added.

Chapter 9

• Revised sleep stage scoring guideline information was added.


• A description of hypnic jerks is now included.


• Research on the experience of lucid dreaming was added.


• Additional research on regional cerebral blood flow in slow wave sleep was added.


• Information about interventions for insomnia is now included.

Chapter 10

• This chapter now includes a discussion of the terms sex, g