Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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Psychology 2e
Rose M. Spielman; William J. Jenkins; Marilyn D. Lovett; Mara Aruguete · OpenStax, Rice University
Psychology 2e is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe. The second edition contains detailed updates to address comments and suggestions from users. Significant improvements and additions were made in the areas of research currency, diversity and representation, and the relevance and recency of the examples. Many concepts were expanded or clarified, particularly through the judicious addition of detail and further explanation where necessary. Finally, the authors addressed the replication issues in the psychology discipline, both in the research chapter and where appropriate throughout the book. Changes made in Psychology 2e are described in the preface to help instructors transition to the second edition. The first edition of Psychology by OpenStax is available in web view here.
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Principles of Microeconomics 3e
David Shapiro; Daniel MacDonald; Steven A. Greenlaw; Eric Dodge · OpenStax, Rice University
Principles of Microeconomics 3e covers the scope and sequence of most one semester introductory microeconomics courses. The third edition takes a balanced approach to the theory and application of microeconomics concepts. The text uses conversational language and ample illustrations to explore economic theories, and provides a wide array of examples using both fictional and real-world applications. The third edition has been carefully and thoroughly updated to reflect recent developments, as well as to provide a deeper background in diverse contributors and their impacts on economic thought and analysis. For example, the third edition highlights the research and views of a broader group of economists. A fuller list of changes made in Principles of Microeconomics 3e are described in the preface and the transition guide to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Principles of Microeconomics by OpenStax is available in web view here. OpenStax is retiring Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics for AP 2e textbooks because they are outdated. We recommend that Advanced Placement instructors and students use the college-level textbooks.
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Principles of Macroeconomics 3e
David Shapiro; Daniel MacDonald; Steven A. Greenlaw; Eric Dodge · OpenStax, Rice University
Principles of Macroeconomics 3e covers the scope and sequence of most one semester introductory macroeconomics courses. The third edition takes a balanced approach to the theory and application of macroeconomics concepts. The text uses conversational language and ample illustrations to explore economic theories, and provides a wide array of examples using both fictional and real-world scenarios. The third edition has been carefully and thoroughly updated to reflect current data and understanding, as well as to provide a deeper background in diverse contributors and their impacts on economic thought and analysis. For example, the third edition highlights the research and views of a broader group of economists. Brief references and deeply explored socio-political examples have also been updated to showcase the critical – and sometimes unnoticed – ties between economic developments and topics relevant to students. A fuller list of changes made in Principles of Macroeconomics 3e are described in the preface and the transition guide to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Principles of Macroeconomics by OpenStax is available in web view here. OpenStax is retiring Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics for AP 2e textbooks because they are outdated. We recommend that Advanced Placement instructors and students use the college-level textbooks.
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Principles of Economics 3e
Steven A. Greenlaw; David Shapiro; Daniel MacDonald; Eric Dodge · OpenStax, Rice University
Principles of Economics 3e covers the scope and sequence of most introductory economics courses. The third edition takes a balanced approach to the theory and application of economics concepts. The text uses conversational language and ample illustrations to explore economic theories, and provides a wide array of examples using both fictional and real-world scenarios. The third edition has been carefully and thoroughly updated to reflect current data and understanding, as well as to provide a deeper background in diverse contributors and their impacts on economic thought and analysis. For example, the third edition highlights the research and views of a broader group of economists. Brief references and deeply explored socio-political examples have been updated to showcase the critical – and sometimes unnoticed – ties between economic developments and topics relevant to students. A fuller list of changes made in Principles of Economics 3e are described in the preface and the transition guide to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Principles of Economics by OpenStax is available in web view here. OpenStax is retiring Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics for AP 2e textbooks because they are outdated. We recommend that Advanced Placement instructors and students use the college-level textbooks.
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Principles of Data Science
Dr. Shaun V. Ault; Dr. Soohyun Nam Liao; Larry Musolino; Wisam Bukaita · OpenStax, Rice University
Principles of Data Science is intended to support one- or two-semester courses in data science. It is appropriate for data science majors and minors as well as students concentrating in business, finance, health care, engineering, the sciences, and a number of other fields where data science has become critically important. The authors have included a diverse mix of scenarios, examples, and data types for analysis and discussion purposes. These include both fictional contexts and real-world sources, such as the Federal Reserve Economic Database and Nasdaq. Data sets focus on a range of topics: business, science, social sciences. Applications include healthcare, physical sciences, demographics, policy, and finance. Data ethics and the emergence of artificial intelligence are covered deeply – both in their own chapters and as consistent threads throughout the course material. The authors and contributors have developed rich in-chapter example problems and extensive practice exercises that encourage students to apply concepts in a variety of situations. Technical illustrations and Python code support and supplement the principles and theory. The text also includes direct links to downloadable data sets and Python code, as well as guidance on how to use them.
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Lifespan Development
Diana Riser; Rose Spielman; David Biek; Alisa Beyer · OpenStax, Rice University
Lifespan Development aligns to the topics and objectives of most introductory developmental psychology courses taught across departments. Grounded in foundational theories and scientific research, the text teaches students about core aspects of human development—physical, cognitive, social, emotional—across the lifespan. A primary goal of the book is to incorporate content, scholarship, and activities that explore a variety of perspectives that encourage all students to feel seen and included. Lifespan Development strives to openly address complex topics with scholarly responsibility and an effort to increase equity and inclusion in the research presented, as well as to foster student engagement in the classroom through relevant examples and applications. Focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences, the narrative places concepts in contexts that give students the means to understand human development and how that knowledge can be applied to and improve their own lives and the lives of others.
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Introduction to Sociology 3e
Tonja R. Conerly; Kathleen Holmes; Asha Lal Tamang; Jennifer Hensley · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Sociology 3e aligns to the topics and objectives of many introductory sociology courses. It is arranged in a manner that provides foundational sociological theories and contexts, then progresses through various aspects of human and societal interactions. The new edition is focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences related to critical thinking about society and culture. The text includes comprehensive coverage of core concepts, discussions and data relevant to a diverse audience, and features that draw learners into the discipline in powerful and personal ways. Overall, Introduction to Sociology 3e aims to center the course and discipline as crucial elements for understanding relationships, society, and civic engagement; the authors seek to lay the foundation for students to apply what they learn throughout their lives and careers. The authors, reviewers, and the entire team worked to build understanding of the causes and impacts of discrimination and prejudice. Introduction to Sociology 3e contains dozens of examples of discrimination and its outcomes regarding social science, society, institutions, and individuals. The text seeks to strike a balance between confronting the damaging aspects of our culture and history and celebrating those who have driven change and overcome challenges. The core discussion of these topics are present in Chapter 11 on Race and Ethnicity, and Chapter 12 on Gender, Sex, and Sexuality, but their causes and effects are extensively discussed in the context of other topics, including education, law enforcement, government, healthcare, the economy, and so on. Together and when connected by an instructor, these elements have potential for deep and lasting effects. Changes made in Introduction to Sociology 3e are described in the preface to help instructors transition to the third edition. The second edition of Introduction to Sociology by OpenStax is available in web view here.
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Introduction to Political Science
Mark Carl Rom; Masaki Hidaka; Rachel Bzostek Walker; Emilia B. Carvalho · OpenStax, Rice University
Designed to meet the scope and sequence of your course, OpenStax Introduction to Political Science provides a strong foundation in global political systems, exploring how and why political realities unfold. Rich with examples of individual and national social action, this text emphasizes students’ role in the political sphere and equips them to be active and informed participants in civil society. Learn more about what this free, openly-licensed textbook has to offer you and your students.
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Introduction to Computer Science
Dr. Jean-Claude Franchitti; Amal Alhosban; Mark Buckler; Joanna Gilberti · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Computer Science provides a comprehensive foundation in core computer science concepts and principles, aligning with the scope and sequence of most introductory computer science courses. The offering serves as an engaging entry point for students pursuing diverse fields of study and employment, including computer science, business, engineering, data science, social sciences, and related disciplines. By addressing a broad learner audience—ranging from computer science majors to non-majors—the book offers a thorough introduction to computational thinking and its applications across multiple domains. Introduction to Computer Science is designed to be both interactive and practical, focusing on real-world applications that showcase how core computer science concepts can be used to solve complex problems. Students will explore foundational concepts, such as algorithms, data structures, computer systems organization, and software development, using an array of engaging, hands-on activities. Introduction to Computer Science also includes advanced topics such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, ensuring students have a solid foundation for continued study and future professional success. The offering integrates meaningful learning experiences through chapter-based scenarios, problem-solving exercises, embedded coding activities, and project-based assessments that encourage students to apply what they learn in authentic contexts. The material also includes an array of industry insights and explorations of emerging technology trends in order to provide a holistic approach to learning that extends beyond theory.
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Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience
Elizabeth D. Kirby; Melissa J. Glenn; Noah J. Sandstrom; Christina L. Williams · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience aligns to the topics and objectives of introductory behavioral neuroscience courses taught in psychology, biology, neuroscience, and similar departments. This offering is intended for undergraduates with no presumed college-level science coursework, and presents the foundational principles of brain-behavior-environment interactions. In Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, students will begin to understand how the physiology of the nervous system and the environment dictate our movements, thoughts and feelings. Students will be challenged to think about real neuroscience experiments, appreciate how neuroscience knowledge evolves over time, and consider open questions in the field. They will also be invited to learn about the people behind the science, such as through interview videos and researcher profiles. The development of this material was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under IOS-2035041 to Elizabeth Kirby. The opinions, descriptions, recommendations, and findings are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF. An Affordable Learning Exchange grant to Elizabeth Kirby from the Ohio State University also supported development of this material.
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Introduction to Anthropology
Jennifer Hasty; David G. Lewis; Marjorie M. Snipes · OpenStax, Rice University
Designed to meet the scope and sequence of your course, OpenStax Introduction to Anthropology is a four-field text integrating diverse voices, engaging field activities, and meaningful themes like Indigenous experiences and social inequality to engage students and enrich learning. The text showcases the historical context of the discipline, with a strong focus on anthropology as a living and evolving field. There is significant discussion of recent efforts to make the field more diverse—in its practitioners, in the questions it asks, and in the applications of anthropological research to address contemporary challenges. In addressing social inequality, the text drives readers to consider the rise and impact of social inequalities based on forms of identity and difference (such as gender, ethnicity, race, and class) as well as oppression and discrimination. The contributors to and dangers of socioeconomic inequality are fully addressed, and the role of inequality in social dysfunction, disruption, and change is noted.
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American Government 4e
Glen Krutz; Sylvie Waskiewicz, PhD; Prosper Bernard, Jr.; Jennifer Danley-Scott · OpenStax, Rice University
American Government 4e aligns with the topics and objectives of many government courses. The authors have worked to develop meaningful and memorable explanations, narratives, and examples regarding the actions, workings, and outputs of government. The offering focuses on the real-world impact of government, and presents the importance and benefits of civic engagement by students. This book follows a logical progression from the fundamental principles of institutional design at the founding, to avenues of political participation, to thorough coverage of political structures. American Government 4e is designed to continually build upon what students have already learned and emphasizes connections between topics as well as between theory and applications. The goal of each section is to enable students not just to recognize concepts, but to work with them in ways that will be useful in later courses, future careers, and as engaged citizens. In order to help students understand the ways that government, society, and individuals interconnect, the revision includes updated information on the 2024 election results, recent court decisions and legal actions, and new opportunities for civic engagement. Changes made in American Government 4e are described in the preface to help instructors transition to the fourth edition. The third edition of American Government by OpenStax is available in web view here.