M. D. Vernon – författare

Motivation is the hidden urge within us which impels us to behave in certain ways. This urge may be purely instinctive, like the need for food, it may arise from a rational decision to achieve a certain end or it may be the result of a combination of both these factors. Motivation is difficult to study directly, and its nature has to be inferred from a range of indirect sources. It develops in childhood, and from then on it is a vital part of our everyday experience. First published in 1969, Professor Vernon's book is an exposition of the fundamental psychology of human motivation, as opposed to motivational processes in animals, with which most books at the time of publication dealt. The principal effects of motivational frustration and conflict are also discussed. Experimental evidence is introduced whenever possible. The author has here drawn on her considerable experience as a lecturer and teacher to provide students with a sound basic knowledge of this important topic in psychology.

Originally published in 1971, this book constitutes a scientific enquiry into the basis of reading, and dyslexia. Professor Vernon considers visual perception, reasoning, motivation, and outlines work in psycholinguistics in order to define the basic psychological processes involved in learning to read. She also discusses the problem of specific developmental dyslexia, and concludes that the basic deficiency may lie in the processes of conceptual reasoning between the sequence of printed and 'sounded' letters. A fundamental disfunction of the brain is also seen as a possibility. She stresses the importance of early recognition and remedial treatment of reading difficulties, since these may be alleviated, if not entirely overcome, by suitable treatment.

Originally published in 1931, this book presents a history of 'any experimental work ... which throws some light upon the psychology of reading'. Vernon includes experiments on the subject of eye movement and visual perception, as well as investigations into the influence of typographical factors on the ease and speed of reading. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the psychological and physiological phenomena pertaining to reading.

Originally published in 1937, this book presents a comprehensive analysis of the nature of visual perception. The text is divided into four main sections: the first part focuses on tracing the phenomenal development of the perceptual process; the second deals with the relation of the perceptual content to some of the more important affective and quasi-affective individual states; the third discusses the objective structure of the visual field; the fourth briefly describes some aspects of the genetic development of the perceptual content in childhood. An appendix section on the tachistoscope and indices are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on the nature of visual perception.

Originally published in 1952, this book was built upon a reconsideration of the findings presented in Vernon's 1937 title, Visual Perception. The text puts forward the 'belief and contention that the individual constructs his perceived world as far as possible in accordance with the maintenance of the maximum of stability, endurance, and consistency'. An appendix section and indices are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on the nature of visual perception.