Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking - Softcover

"Halpern writes in a friendly and personal style that communicates directly with readers, and she keeps readers engaged by providing concrete and practical examples. She is not only a master researcher and scholar who has contributed to the field of applied cognitive psychology; she is also a master teacher who knows how to take scientific material and make it understandable, personally relevant, and enjoyable. It is a treat to read a book on thinking by an undisputed eader in the field who has been thinking about thinking and refining this book for three decades. It is clear that Halpern has made a significant contribution to the field of applied cognitive psychology with the fifth edition of Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. Overall, this is an enjoyable, comprehensive, and current introduction to the field of human thinking, with topics ranging from how to analyze the soundness of an argument to how to think with probabilities, and from how to come up with a creative solution to how to avoid pitfalls in decision making. If you are interested in what psychology has to say about how thinking works and how to improve your thinking, then Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking belongs on your bookshelf." – Richard E. Mayer, PsycCRITIQUES

"In short, it is clear that Halpern has made a significant contribution to the field of applied cognitive psychology with the fifth edition of Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. Overall, this is an enjoyable, comprehensive, and current introduction to the field of human thinking, with topics ranging from how to analyze the soundness of an argument to how to think with probabilities, and from how to come up with a creative solution to how to avoid pitfalls in decision making. If you are interested in what psychology has to say about how thinking works and how to improve your thinking, then Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking belongs on your bookshelf." -Richard E. Mayer, PsycCRITIQUES

"Lots of terrific psychology, introduced clearly and attractively. Undergraduate students will enjoy reading this. I learned a lot." – Michael Bishop, Prof. of Philosophy and Director, Undergraduate Studies, Florida State University

"The level of sophistication about the psychology of reasoning, decision-making, risk, etc. is much higher than standard critical thinking texts―as one would expect given the author’s credentials." – Frank Fair, Prof. of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, and Managing Editor of Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines

"I continue to be impressed by the breadth and depth of the scholarship presented herein, especially the rich examples and everyday experiences of the author that illustrate her points about critical thinking."  – Dana S. Dunn, Prof. of Psychology, Moravian College, and former president of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology

"Diane Halpern has a nice, friendly style and a gift for vivid examples. What her text does really well is marshal the ‘factual’ material in a way I haven’t seen before, and in a way that will engage readers." – Ken Manktelow, Prof. of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton

This best-selling textbook, written by award-winning educator and past president of the American Psychological Association, Diane F. Halpern, applies theory and research from the learning sciences to teach students the thinking skills they need to succeed in today's world. This new edition retains features from earlier editions that have helped its readers become better thinkers. A rigorous academic grounding based in cognitive psychology is presented in a clear writing style with a humorous tone and supported by numerous practical examples and anecdotes.

Thought and Knowledge, Fifth Edition has been revised to help students meet the challenges of a global neighborhood and make meaningful conclusions from the overwhelming quantity of information now available at the click of a mouse. The skills learned with this text will help students learn more efficiently, research more productively, and present logical, informed arguments.

Thought and Knowledge, Fifth Edition is appropriate for use as a textbook in critical thinking courses offered in departments of psychology, philosophy, English, humanities, or as a supplement in any course where critical thinking is emphasized.