Reading Recomendation #4 : Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology by Kolb and Whishaw

Cognitive psychology is one of the most challenging subjects in psychology. When connected to physiology, it proves to be even more challenging. Postgraduate students of psychology will vouch for this.

Looking at a book of neuropsychology is intimidating in itself. Just a glance at the complicated diagrams of the brain, and the terminology used all over the text is enough to create a doubt regarding any comprehension at all in the student's mind. Thankfully, professors Kolb and Whishaw have authored a book titled 'Fundamentals of Neuropsychology' which brings down the complex principles of biopsychology to the level of the student.

The Front Cover of the Fifth Edition of the Book

Though the title of the book might make it appear as if the book only introduces the field to the student, it is actually very comprehensive since it begins at a discussion of the basic structure and processes of the brains, moving on to a detailed discussion of cortical and higher functions - covering every important theory, and disorder, and concludes at a discussion of the latest, rapidly emerging field of neuropsychological assessment. 

As I read through the book, I was awestruck by how simple the author had made the subject matter, and found myself wishing that I'd found this book when I first encountered neuropsychology. The key features of this book that make it so appealing include:

• Very simple language;
• Analogies from everyday life as illustrations;
• High quality, simplified diagrams;
• Precise case studies;
• Regular summaries with key points for effective review.

I strongly recommend this book to any student interested in neuropsychology, and in particular to postgraduate students struggling to strengthen their foundation in the subject.