Review of The psychology of human differences

Abstract

Reviews the book, The psychology of human differences by Leona E. Tyler (1947). This is a textbook designed for use in courses on individual differences, differential psychology, or human variability. It is intended to meet the needs both of the general student and of the undergraduate major in psychology. Such a book, according to the author, should give up-to-date information, present the facts so that they can be readily assimilated, and show students how to avoid wrong conclusions. The stated purpose is "to synthesize and reconcile opposing points of view rather than to perpetuate old arguments..., to sort out the findings which stand up under critical statistical analysis from those which are in error or ambiguous, and to separate actual results from interpretations." The reviewer states that Dr. Tyler has performed her task admirably. The book is a model of clear exposition and critical appraisal of reported data. There are a few omissions which this reviewer believes should be made good when a second edition is called for. Yet, on the whole, the book is fairly inclusive and the allotment of space is judicious. Students should find it interesting and challenging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)