Evolutionary Psychology: An Introduction

This textbook provides an engaging and balanced discussion of evolutionary psychology without committing to a specific school of thought, and is updated to include the latest advances in the field, with new material on homosexuality, feminist criticism, grandparental investment, and neuroscience and epigenetics.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 504 pages
\n Publication date: 20 May 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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While evolutionary psychology is a captivating field of study, it is frequently misconstrued. In this widely recognized undergraduate textbook, Workman and Reader assume no prior knowledge of evolution and instead meticulously guide students toward a level of comprehension where they can critically employ evolutionary theory to explain psychological phenomena. The authors present an engaging and well-balanced exploration of evolutionary psychology without endorsing any particular school of thought, and organize chapters around topics that are familiar to psychology students. Retaining the successful structure and teaching approach of previous editions, the text has been updated to incorporate the latest advancements in the field, with new material added on homosexuality, a consideration of feminist criticism, grandparental investment, and developments in neuroscience and epigenetics. The fourth edition is now fully illustrated with new figures and photographs, revised boxed case studies, additional discussion questions, and an updated online test bank.

The authors of this textbook have crafted a comprehensive and accessible guide that caters to students with no prior knowledge of evolution. They begin by providing a foundational understanding of the principles and theories of evolution, which serve as the framework for the subsequent chapters. Throughout the text, the authors employ a lively and engaging writing style, making complex concepts accessible to students.

One of the key strengths of this textbook is its balanced approach to evolutionary psychology. The authors acknowledge the diversity of perspectives within the field and present a comprehensive overview of various theories and approaches. This allows students to develop a nuanced understanding of the subject and to critically evaluate the evidence presented in support of different hypotheses.

Another notable feature of the textbook is its organization. Chapters are structured around topics that are familiar to psychology students, such as motivation, emotion, and social behavior. This approach makes the material more relatable and facilitates a better understanding of how evolutionary principles can be applied to these domains.

In addition to its theoretical content, the textbook also includes numerous real-world examples and case studies. These examples help to bring the theory to life and demonstrate how evolutionary psychology can be used to explain various psychological phenomena. Each case study is accompanied by discussion questions and exercises, which encourage students to apply the concepts learned in the text to real-world situations.

The fourth edition of this textbook has been extensively updated to reflect the latest advances in the field. New material has been added on topics such as homosexuality, feminist criticism, grandparental investment, and developments in neuroscience and epigenetics. This ensures that students are receiving the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on evolutionary psychology.

The textbook is also visually appealing, with new figures and photographs added to enhance the learning experience. The use of color coding and bold headings makes it easy to navigate through the text and locate specific information.

In conclusion, this textbook is an excellent resource for students interested in learning about evolutionary psychology. Its balanced approach, engaging writing style, and comprehensive coverage of the field make it an invaluable tool for developing a critical understanding of evolutionary theory and its application to psychological explanation. Whether you are a psychology student or simply interested in the field, this textbook is a must-read.

\n Weight: 1212g\n
Dimension: 262 x 252 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108716468\n
Edition number: 4 Revised edition\n