APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

(Revised), by R.Husband '26. Harper & Brothers, 1949,pages, $4.50.

In the first chapter of his revision of this successful text, Professor Husband defines applied psychology as the application of psychological techniques and knowledge to practical problems. Thus defined, it is an overwhelmingly huge area. This makes the first task of the conscientious textbook writer one of careful selection of material. Attempts to cover the whole field usually turn out to be so cursory as to be useless. Prof. Husband has on the whole, avoided this error. The majority of space in this revision, as in the first edition, is alloted to three problem areas, namely: (i) aptitudes and vocations, (2) industrial relations, and (3) advertising and selling. With but a few minor additions, the author has concentrated on bringing those areas up to date with present developments.

As the coverage of these areas is so complete, it is, perhaps, too bad that Professor Husband included in this book such overly brief chapters as those on public speaking, psychology in sports, psychological factors in marriage, and personal physical efficiency. They might better have been used as the nucleus for another text on the personal problems aspect of applied psychology. Aside from this minor worry, it is a successful revision. Certainly the many users of the first edition of this text will be pleased with this up-to-date revision.