Includes bibliographical references and index

"In recent years there has been an increasing demand that the first course in psychology be made functional in the life of the student. If the demand were met in full, the psychologist would be expected to deal with the worries and little problems of the student and forego any attempt to deal with scientific data and principles. Naturally, the psychologist has resisted such an extreme demand. It does seem, however,that the first course is a legitimate place for the application of principles of human behavior to everyday life. I have attempted, therefore, to present the subject in the language of the student so far as possible and to keep discussion close to the student's world. At the same time I have attempted to acquaint him with the methods of scientific investigation in this field, including the development of generalizations or principles.