Australian Psychology

Originally published in 1985, this volume commissioned by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia presents a survey of research in some of the major areas of psychology with which Australian psychologists had been identified at the time. The chapters cover basic processes; psychometrics and mathematical psychology; clinical psychology, imagery and hypnosis; social psychology; organisational and occupational psychology; and the psychological analysis of social issues, along with a concluding chapter that provides some general reflections on psychological research in Australia. The authors were asked to emphasise Australian contributions and to set them within the context of overseas developments, and the result is a ‘state of the art’ report that presents the major trends in Australian research in psychology in the mid-1980s.

The book drew attention to the best of Australian research achievements in psychology and could be used as a sourcebook in its own right and as a supplement for textbook in introductory psychology and for more advanced courses (e.g. experimental psychology, clinical psychology and behaviour modification, social psychology, and organisational/occupational psychology). In contrast to textbooks at the time in psychology, it provided up-to-date examples of Australian research, and while of particular relevance to psychologists, it would also have been of value to other social scientists in education, sociology, political science and economics.

The book attempts to span the major areas of research activity in Australian psychology, highlighting the work of the most active and influential contributors. Today it can be read in its historical context.

Norman T. Feather (1930–2023) was Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Flinders University of South Australia.

Many of the authors of this volume were Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.