Evolutionary Psychology: An Introduction

The fully revised fifth edition of this highly acclaimed undergraduate textbook provides a thought-provoking introduction to evolutionary psychology, while assuming no prior knowledge of evolutionary theory. The authors continue to carefully guide students towards a level of understanding where they can critically apply evolutionary theory to psychological explanation, providing an engaging and balanced discussion of the field. New material has been added on female homosexuality, artificial intelligence and language, cooking and human brain expansion, Covid-19 and rates of evolutionary change, and the effects of digital media on mental health. This edition also has new and revised boxed case studies, many new figures, extra discussion questions, and additional further reading suggestions. The text is accompanied by online resources including an updated test bank and lecture slides, as well as new answers to the end-of-chapter questions. This is essential reading for students taking undergraduate and graduate courses in evolutionary psychology.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Foreword; 1. Introduction to evolutionary psychology; 2. Principles of evolutionary change; 3. Sexual selection; 4. The evolution of human mate choice; 5. Cognitive development, modularity and innateness; 6. Social development and morality; 7. The evolutionary psychology of social behaviour: kin relationships and conflict; 8. The evolutionary psychology of social behaviour: reciprocity and conflict; 9. Evolution, thought and cognition; 10. The evolution of language; 11. The evolution of emotion; 12. Evolutionary psychopathology and Darwinian medicine; 13. Evolution and individual differences; 14. The evolution of culture; Glossary; References; Index.

About the Author :
Lance Workman is Visiting Professor of Psychology at the University of South Wales. He was previously Head of Psychology at Bath Spa University, and for seven years was the interviews editor for The Psychologist. His teaching and research interests are in biological and evolutionary psychology, and he has published widely on both human and animal behaviour. Workman regularly comments on developments in psychology in the media, making over 1000 appearances in the last thirty years, and has hosted his own series on psychology for Radio Wales. Will Reader is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. His research interests and publications include the relationship between evolution and technology (particularly social media and the internet), and education research and human-computer interaction. He has twice won awards for inspirational teaching. He has presented his work on evolution and social media at both academic conferences and to members of the business community, and enjoys writing blogs on evolution and psychology.

Review :
'Maintaining its accessibility to all and taking on cutting-edge research into new topics from female homosexuality and intimate partner violence, to the effects of digital media and the COVID-19 pandemic and, of course, artificial intelligence, Evolutionary Psychology gets us out of our silos and embraces the interdisciplinary ethos of learning, teaching and research today.' Lindsay Murray, University of Chester 'This textbook offers a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of evolutionary psychology and the primary areas of research within the discipline. The inclusion of numerous tables, figures and boxed sections enhances comprehension and facilitates the assimilation of key information. Discussion questions, recommended readings and online test banks promote active learning and contribute to the expansion of knowledge.' Sylwester Orzechowski, University of Wrocław 'The fifth edition of Evolutionary Psychology is a comprehensive, balanced, engaging and accessible introduction to the field. The book effectively explains complex ideas and integrates psychology's subfields under the guiding principle of evolution. The interdisciplinary and up-to-date content further offers a critical analysis of the covered topics. Highly recommended reading for students as well as the general public.' Katja Valli, University of Skövde 'Incredibly readable yet packed with information, Evolutionary Psychology provides students with insight into the core concepts and controversy in the field. Designed to spark curiosity, this text includes thought-provoking questions throughout, connecting early work with modern areas of exploration to give readers a rich understanding of the past, present and likely future of the field.' Rebekah Wanic, University of San Diego 'Workman and Reader's Evolutionary Psychology provides an admirably clear, full and careful account of a field on the march, including its history, theory and latest developments. Based on more than 1000 references, this well-organized overview is an ideal introduction to a topic of growing importance.' Richard Wrangham, Harvard University