Evolutionary Psychology: An Introduction

While evolutionary psychology is a fascinating science, it is also often misunderstood. In this highly acclaimed undergraduate textbook, Workman and Reader assume no prior knowledge of evolution and instead carefully guide students towards a level of understanding where they can critically apply evolutionary theory to psychological explanation. The authors provide an engaging and balanced discussion of evolutionary psychology without committing to a specific school of thought, and organise chapters around topics familiar to psychology students. Retaining the successful structure and pedagogy of previous editions, the text has been updated to include the latest advances 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 in full colour, with new figures and photographs, revised boxed case studies, additional discussion questions, and an updated online test bank.

Lance Workman is Visiting Professor of Psychology at the University of South Wales, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a freelance science writer. He was previously Head of Psychology at Bath Spa University, and for 7 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 and national press, and has hosted his own series on psychology for Radio Wales.

Will Reader is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. His research and writing interests include the relationship between evolution and technology (particularly social media and the internet) and education research. He has recently completed research on social networks and evolution funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Reader's work has been featured in a range of media publications, including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Hindustani Times, and Science Daily, though he is particularly proud of obtaining 'quote of the week' in the New Scientist Magazine.