Critical Readings in Social Psychology

by Langdridge, Darren; Taylor, Stephanie

• ISBN13: 9780335221042
• ISBN10: 0335221041
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-12-01
• Publisher: Open University Press

Summary

Critical Readings in Social Psychologybrings a fresh approach to the study of key topics in social psychology by contrasting classic and contemporary readings in core social psychological areas. Each chapter author presents contrasting approaches to a particular topic through the inclusion of two or three extracts from previously published texts that have been influential in shaping social psychological ideas. These extracts are supported by the author's commentary, which illuminates the part that debate and criticism play in the ways that social psychology continues to change and develop. The result is a clear and stimulating collection on seven key topics in social psychology: Close relationships Attitudes Attribution Intragroup processes Intergroup processes Conformity Individual differences A combination of textbook and reader, this book is designed specifically for social psychology students. It also provides an accessible set of teaching materials for coverage of the major topics in contemporary social psychology detailed in the British Psychological Society curriculum guidelines.

Author Biography

Darren Langdridge is a Lecturer in Social Psychology at The Open University Stephanie Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The Open University

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Introduction	p. 1
Close relationships	p. 15
'Developing a steady and exclusive partnership'	p. 17
'The psychodynamics of the family'	p. 31
Attitudes	p. 45
'Attitudes versus actions'	p. 48
'From intentions to actions'	p. 50
'Unfolding discourse analysis'	p. 61
The fundamental attribution error	p. 75
'The intuitive psychologist and his shortcomings: distortions in the attribution process'	p. 78
'The fundamental attribution error: a phenomenological critique'	p. 88
Intragroup processes: entitativity	p. 103
'Victims of groupthink: a psychological study of foreign-policy decisions and fiascoes'	p. 106
'Discourses of community and conflict: the organization of social categories in accounts of a "riot"'	p. 117
Intergroup processes: social identity theory	p. 133
'An integrative theory of intergroup conflict'	p. 136
'Henri Tajfel's "Cognitive aspects of prejudice" and the psychology of bigotry'	p. 148
Bystander intervention	p. 163
'Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility'	p. 165
'Kitty Genovese and culturally embedded theorizing'	p. 176
Individual differences	p. 189
'Dimensions of personality'	p. 192
'A psychology for teachers'	p. 199
Conclusion	p. 211
Acknowledgements	p. 217
Index	p. 219
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