About Introduction to Psychology & Neuroscience

The foundation of this book is built upon Psychology 2e from OpenStax. For a full overview of all content creators and resources, see Psychology 2e Preface.

In addition to the core content from Psychology 2e from OpenStax, this book is a combination of original material and resources, as well as selected works from Introduction to Psychology by Cummings & Sanders (University of Saskatchewan), Discovery Psychology 2.0 from Noba Project, and various upper-level Psychology courses from Lumen Learning. We’ve added an ‘Attributions & Acknowledgements’ section at the end of each chapter, to highlight the contributors of the new original material.

Tricky Topics Video Series

The Tricky Topic videos embedded throughout the text were designed and created by faculty and students at Dalhousie University. Dr. Jennifer Stamp and Dr. Leanne Stevens were the original creators of the video series, but the fully open versions now available were created by, and with the help of, many individuals. Specifically, Dr. Jennifer Stamp, Anthony Duchesne, Dr. Dylan Deska-Gauthier, Qendresa Sahiti, Adena Cox, Ella Vermeir, Swasti Arora, Dr. Kevin LeBlanc, and Filip Kosel were all integral to the development, editing, refining, and creation of the current Tricky Topics video series. Each Tricky Topic video now has information about the creator and narrator of the recording.

Accessibility

This book was created with a focus on accessibility – the book’s existence and use in our program was first and foremost to reduce the financial barrier of textbook costs for our students. We have also worked to:

• ensure all images contain accurate and clear alternative text
• use images with high-contrast borders and colours
• included transcripts for all of the embedded Tricky Topics videos in the Appendix, with a direct link from the video to the corresponding transcript (and a returning link from the transcript to the main text)
• reduce unnecessary text and simple language (where possible)

Diversity and Inclusion

With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal representation, we are continually updating, correcting, and adding to the relevant content in this book. Although the foundation of the book (OpenStax) had undergone significant review and revision with diversity, identity, representation, and inclusion in mind, we (and our students) have identified several areas that can be improved and ways in which we can add rich sources of diversity to this text.

We began this process (fall 2020) by hiring Imogen Williams, a Dalhousie graduate (BA ’20 Gender & Women Studies + Creative Writing), who worked with us to update much of the language used throughout the book to ensure it is as inclusive as possible. Additionally, Imogen collaborated with Dr. Leanne Stevens and Dr. Jennifer Stamp to add new content and sections to several chapters of the text (e.g. Research Methods, Development, Language, Motivation & Emotion) that explore elements of inclusion/exclusion on our understanding of Psychology & Neuroscience. Although Imogen’s project has concluded, the process and efforts to continue to ensure inclusivity and diversity throughout the text, are ongoing. We also welcome feedback from students who have questions or concerns pertaining to these efforts.

Indigenization

In an effort to strengthen and deepen the lenses of equity, diversity, and inclusion, we have also been reviewing, editing, and most importantly adding, Indigenous knowledge throughout the text. Our hope is to weave this knowledge throughout our chapters – highlighting significant contributions, ways of knowing, and historical injustices, where appropriate.

Of important note, throughout the text we will use the term ‘Indigenous’ to refer to all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. However, when referring to original source material, our policy will be to defer to the language used by the authors of the original source material (e.g., Indigenous, First Nation, Métis, Inuit, Aboriginal, Native American, Maōri, etc.).

This undertaking would not be possible without our collaborations with Jocelyn Paul (Clinical PhD student; Membertou First Nation), Max Dysart (BA ’20 Psychology; familial connections to the Qalipu band and to the Indian Head and Penwaaq L’nu’k First Nations), and Aaron Prosper (BSc ’19 Neuroscience; Eskasoni First Nation). Jocelyn, Max, and Aaron all braid their understanding of Mi’kmaw and Indigenous culture, traditions, and knowledge with their formal education in Psychology and Neuroscience. This project is ongoing (2023).