Brief Introductory Psychology Textbooks: An Objective Analysis

Abstract

Given the rising cost of textbooks, the one-term nature of most introductory psychology courses, and the length of “regular“ introductory psychology textbooks, many psychology teachers may be interested in briefer, less expensive paperback introductory textbooks. We performed an objective analysis of these briefer textbooks. Our approach was similar to Weiten's (1988) analysis of regular introductory textbooks and to Webb's (1991) analysis of the three editions of the Boring, Langfeld, and Weld textbook. Overall data and the results for each text are provided, as well as a comparison with Weiten's data for regular texts. Prices are also briefly discussed. These data supplement Weiten's normative data.