Synopses & Reviews
This is an introductory text to the key theories, concepts, research, and debate in social psychology. Assuming no prior knowledge, it guides the reader through the main topic areas relevant to the scientific investigation of human social behavior, including: social development, attitudes and attitude change, social cognition, non-verbal communication, social relationships, prejudice and conflict, social influence, and group performance.
Social Psychology is fully updated, reflecting new theoretical developments and research findings. Each chapter includes a summary of the main points, suggestions for further reading, and a special section demonstrating the application of social psychology to the contexts of education, law, health, and organizations. All material is presented clearly and accessibly with an abundance of illustrations--including the use of summary diagrams designed to provide a focus for key points and ideas, as well as additional figures and tables.
Synopsis
In everyday life we depend upon, interact with, influence are influenced by many people in situations that range from brief single encounters to the special relationships we form with family and close friends. Social interactions such as these are just a part of what make up social psychology, the study of human social behaviour and thought.In 'Social Psychology', the authors have incorporated the most recent theoretical developments and research findings and accounted for more than a decade of growth and expansion in the discipline since the publication of Pennington's 'Essential Social Psychology' (from which this book is descended). The result is a wholly fresh textbook that provides a clear and readable introduction to this empirical discipline.Assuming no prior knowledge, this book guides the reader through the main topic areas, providing insights into the key theories, concepts, research and debates that define the field. Particular attention is paid to how research is applied, with each chapter containing a section demonstrating the application of social psychological findings in the contexts of education, law, health and organisations. A summary of the main points and suggestions for further reading are included at the end of each chapter. There are figures, tables and photographs provided throughout to encourage visualisation and aid understanding.In 'Social Psychology', the authors have incorporated the most recent theoretical developments and research findings and accounted for more than a decade of growth and expansion in the discipline since the publication of Pennington's 'Essential Social Psychology' (from which this book is descended). The result is a wholly fresh textbook that provides a clear and readable introduction to this empirical discipline.Assuming no prior knowledge, this book guides the reader through the main topic areas, providing insights into the key theories, concepts, research and debates that define the field. Particular attention is paid to how research is applied, with each chapter containing a section demonstrating the application of social psychological findings in the contexts of education, law, health and organisations. A summary of the main points and suggestions for further reading are included at the end of each chapter. There are figures, tables and photographs provided throughout to encourage visualisation and aid understanding.
About the Author
L. G. Mitchell is Fellow and Praelector in Modern History at University College, Oxford. The leading scholar of the Whigs, his many books include the highly praised Charles James Fox (OUP 1992).
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. Social development
3. Attitudes, attitude change and behaviour
4. Social cognition I: Perception of self and others
5. Social cognition II: The attribution approach
6. Non-verbal communication and interpersonal behaviour
7. Social relationships
8. Social influence
9. Pro-social and anti-social behaviour
10. Prejudice, conflict and intergroup behaviour
11. Groups and group performance
References
Index