This textbook is designed to introduce undergraduates to the scientific study of aging in adults. Among the topics covered in the book's 15 chapters are: approaches to the study of adult development and aging (research methodology and related issues, a life-span perspective, ethical issues); theories in the study of adult development (models of development); changes in physical functioning throughout adulthood (changes in physical appearance, aging of major organs, longevity); health and health care throughout adulthood (general influences of physical health, health changes, health care); basic cognitive processes (age-related changes in sensation and perception, basic cognitive functioning, interventions); intelligence, wisdom, and creativity (views and psychometric studies of adult intelligence); learning and memory throughout adulthood (age differences in memory performance, education throughout adulthood); personality change and stability (personality measurement and psychometric research; psychopathology and psychotherapy: mental health problems in old age; love and marriage throughout adulthood; relationships between generations: affection and interaction; and death and dying. Each chapter includes a summary, list of key terms, and suggestions for further reading. Appended is information on statistical tools commonly used in development research. The bibliography lists 1,072 references. (MN)