BVU Professor Publishes Textbook on Social Psychology

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Dr. Wind Goodfriend

STORM LAKE, IA (03/01/2018) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) Professor of Experimental Psychology, Dr. Wind Goodfriend, has co-authored a newly published textbook on social psychology. Goodfriend's contract to write the book is the most substantial that the textbook's publisher, SAGE Publications, has ever issued to a psychology author.

The introductory textbook is titled "Social Psychology" and was written by Goodfriend and Tom Heinzen, who is an award-winning teacher-researcher and professor of psychology at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. The two connected five years ago when Heinzen called Goodfriend about the possibility of co-authoring a textbook after seeking a young, female author with a feminist voice.

"On that phone call, I originally declined his offer," said Goodfriend, who is also the assistant dean of graduate programs at BVU. "But, still on the same call, I changed my mind because I thought that together, we could write the best social psychology book."

The textbook, which is available from online retailer Amazon, discusses social psychology's relevance to students' lives by presenting the field as an evolving, science-driven conversation. The ultimate goal of the book is for students to become active participants in the social psychology dialogue, finding their fascination with the field and realizing its significance in their daily lives.

Specifically, Goodfriend and Heinzen weave stories drawn from their own personal experiences with compelling examples from popular culture, all of which are carefully placed in historical context. The book concludes with eight mini-chapters on topics such as behavioral economics, environmental sustainability, law and the courtroom, and positive psychology.

"I love the idea of writing a textbook that students will actually want to read, one that they will enjoy reading almost as much as a novel," said Goodfriend. "I wanted this book to set itself apart by being more relatable to students. That's why it's purposefully written in an engaging, conversational style."

Goodfriend's second textbook will be available in March, and is entitled, "Case Studies in Social Psychology: Critical Thinking and Application." The book is an extension of "Social Psychology," focusing less on theoretical concepts and more on application of the real life examples that are presented in the first book.

Goodfriend is also writing a third book, titled, "Intimate Relationships," which is set to come out in 2020. Though all forms of relationships are discussed, the book's focus is on romantic relationships. In addition, Goodfriend is in the preliminary stages of authoring two more books, including an introductory psychology textbook and a book discussing the warning signs of unhealthy relationships.

"I want to write books that are engaging and interesting, so that students are tempted to keep the book at the end of the semester," added Goodfriend. "That's the personal dream that keeps me writing, late into the night."

Goodfriend is also the co-author of the book, "Voices of Hope: Breaking the Silence of Relationship Violence," and she has published more than 23 book chapters and over 42 journal articles. In addition, Goodfriend has edited two books, including "Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Social Psychology."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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