Evolutionary Psychology
Neuroscience Perspectives concerning Human Behavior and Experience
- William J. Ray - Pennsylvania State University
Many books in evolutionary psychology emphasize just a small part of the total picture. William J. Ray's book gives students a clear understanding of how current psychological knowledge of human behavior and experience draws from a variety of perspectives. It begins with an understanding of evolution and the close connection between organisms and their environment, focusing on how the environment and genes can influence humans and the cultures of which they are a part. Using current research in social processes, decision making, and brain imaging, Ray explores how humans solve certain life problems in the same way that many non-human species do. He also highlights human abilities not seen in other species, including our ability to use language, develop culture, and create writings and art that can influence other humans thousands of years later. Written in a clear, easy-to-understand manner, the book emphasizes developmental processes and family relationships, sexual and social relationships, and emotionality and language. It concludes with an examination of health and disease, psychopathology, and culture, all seen through an evolutionary lens.
Supplements
The Instructors site will include Power Points, a Test Bank, Class Assignments & Discussion Questions.
The Student study site will include Journal Articles & Web Resources.
"I would absolutely adopt it and recommend it."
"I was very impressed with the book. The text does an excellent job of demonstrating that natural and sexual selection provide a general sketch upon which environmental interaction builds our complex behavioral repertoires and that this interplay shapes the human experience from basic brain structure to the complexities of culture."
This is an excellent text and covers a wide range of recent evolutionary psychology topics.
This text covers a wide range of evolutionary psychology issues in a clear and logical order, yet you can still dip in and out of the chapters. I particularly like the end of chapter review questions and glossary pointers, which will enable students to consolidate their learning. On a practical note, the size of the book (approximately 26x18cm) makes it easier to carry about despite its hardback cover. A very real consideration for any student or teacher!
The supplemental materials made the difference when deciding between this text and another.
No longer teaching on Intro 2
A solid text but it was not the
first-choice for clarity, illustrations
and access to current research.
An excellent text, informative and user friendly.
In my opinion there are other alternatives that are better suited for our purposes.
Probably the best book on evolutionary psychology that I have read, the chapters are clear and concise, so shall be happy to recommend to students
Sage College Publishing
