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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

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 readers.

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 research findings. This approach allows students to develop a nuanced understanding of evolutionary psychology and to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches.

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 psychological phenomena.

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 aspects of human behavior and cognition. The case studies are well-selected and provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.

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 update ensures that the textbook remains relevant and current, and provides students with the most up-to-date information available.

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 comprehensive approach, balanced discussion of perspectives, and real-world examples make it an invaluable tool for developing a critical understanding of the field. The fourth edition has been extensively updated to reflect the latest advances in the field, and its visually appealing format and extensive content make it an engaging and effective learning experience. Whether you are a psychology student or simply interested in the evolution of human behavior, this textbook is a must-read.

Weight: 1380g
Dimension: 260 x 208 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108483155
Edition number: 4 Revised edition