Introductory Psychology Textbooks: An Objective Analysis and Update

Abstract

Following a brief summary of changes in the introductory psychology textbook market over the past 2 decades, we assessed the impact of these changes on the 37 full-length texts presently comprising this market. We compared their objective features with those of introductory texts from the recent past. Although the number of chapters has decreased, actual text length has increased. Coverage of traditional topics has lessened to include coverage of nontraditional topics such as diversity. The typical introductory text at present is in its 4th edition and has 1 White male author. The objective data and complete topic distribution analysis for all 37 texts should facilitate the text selection process for introductory psychology teachers.