An Introduction to Cyberpsychology

An Introduction to Cyberpsychology is the first book to provide a student-oriented introduction to this rapidly growing and increasingly studied topic. It is designed to encourage students to critically evaluate the psychology of online interactions, and to develop appropriate research methodologies to complete their own work in this field.

The book comprises of four main sections:

1. An overview of cyberpsychology and online research methodologies

2. Social psychology in an online context

3. The practical applications of cyberpsychology

4. The psychological aspects of other technologies.

Each chapter includes:

• Explanations of key terms and a glossary to facilitate understanding

• Content summaries to aid student learning

• Activity boxes, discussion questions and recommended reading to guide further study.

Further resources for students and instructors are available on the book’s companion website, including audio and video links, essay questions, a multiple-choice test bank, and PowerPoint lecture slides.

Uniquely combining a survey of the field with a focus on the applied areas of psychology, the book is designed to be a core text for undergraduate modules in cyberpsychology and the psychology of the internet, and a primer for students of postgraduate programs in cyberpsychology.

Marion Palmer is Head of the Department of Technology and Psychology at IADT and chair of the Institute’s Teaching and Learning Committee. Marion has worked on the MSc in Cyberpsychology since its inception with a particular focus on learning in cyberspace. She researched teaching in Irish Institutes of Technology for a doctorate in education from Queen’s University Belfast and was a national Award of Teaching Excellence winner for 2011.

Hannah Barton holds an MA in Psychology from University College Cork and is a previous coordinator of the MSc in Cyberpsychology. She has been lecturing in personality and social psychology in IADT for over twelve years, teaching on both the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology and the MSc in Cyberpsychology degrees. Her research has included altruism and positive psychology, mobile learning (podcasting) and group dynamics in both online and offline settings.

Irene Connolly is a lecturer of Developmental and Educational Psychology in Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) and a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. Irene holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, specialising in the area of bullying. Her research has focused on areas such as the role of the bully, and longitudinal research regarding the persistence of bullying and victimisation across the lifespan. Recent research has examined the complex world of cyberbullying. Irene is the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Irish representative on the European Federation of Psychologists Associations (EFPA) Consultation Group ‘Psychology and Internet’ which is a coalition to make the Internet a safer place for children. She is also an affiliated researcher with the Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Trinity College Dublin (TCD)/Dublin City University (DCU).

Grainne Kirwan is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Lecturer in Psychology in IADT, teaching on both the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology and the MSc in Cyberpsychology. She holds a PhD in Criminology as well as an MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Third Level Learning and Teaching, and an MLitt in Psychology. She is a member of the Editorial Board of the journal ‘Cyberpsychology, Behaviour & Social Networking’. ‘Introduction to Cyberpsychology’ is her fourth book.