Book excerpt: Through four successful editions, this briefer book uses an approach which promotes learning as an "activity" of the reader - it shows how "active learning" can motivate and excite readers to a deeper understanding of introductory psychology. With balanced and modern treatment of gender and culture, this book encourages readers to develop "critical thinking" skills. It is organized around the SQ4R (survey, question, read, recite, review) method of learning.