Race in Developmental Psychology Textbooks

Race is defined as a socially constructed category used to classify humans based on perceived physical differences, yet it has no valid biological foundation. Given the importance of race (and how it has been misused in scientific racism), it is crucial to determine whether psychology texts accurately define and discuss the concept of race. Prior findings, restricted to introductory psychology texts, indicate race is (i) defined less than half the time, (ii) when defined is done so correctly only a quarter of the time, and (iii) discussed in at least partial biological or unclear terms regarding racial differences in intelligence. Yet no such analyses have included developmental psychology texts. This study explored how race is defined and discussed in the context of intelligence within developmental psychology textbooks. There were two research questions: (1) How do the texts define race (biologically, socially, or unclear)? and (2) How do the texts discuss racial differences involving intelligence? Thirty developmental psychology textbooks published between 1990 and 2019 were coded for how race was defined and discussed in relation to intelligence. Findings revealed that none of the textbooks defined race, meaning it remains unknown how race is defined. Among the 37% of texts that discussed racial differences in intelligence, all framed them as socially determined, with no biological explanations presented. Overall, developmental psychology textbooks—compared to introductory texts—more accurately represented racial differences in intelligence as socially determined, but were notably more silent when defining race. This silence may reflect a broader reluctance within psychology to discuss race as a concept. Addressing it is essential for conceptual clarity, cultural awareness, and avoiding the perpetuation of outdated ideas across psychology and the wider scientific community.