Social Psychology, Media and Research Update

by Aronson, Elliot; Wilson, Tim; Akert, Robin M.

• ISBN13: 9780131830929
• ISBN10: 0131830929
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Hardcover w/CD
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

Engaging, integrative, and scientific, this #1-rated book on social psychology uses a story-telling approach to convey the science of social psychology in a fascinating, memorable, and completely entertaining manner. Successfully capturing the excitement of social psychology, it helps readers understand the whole context of the field—how theories inspire research, why research is performed as it is, and how further research triggers new avenues of study—and how all of this impacts their everyday lives. Vignettes and “mini” stories within every chapter include detailed descriptions of classic and modern experiments, and describe an example of a real-life phenomenon designed specifically. Chapter topics cover methodology, social perception, self-knowledge, self-justification, attitudes, conformity, group processes, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior, aggression, and prejudice. For individuals interested in the field of social psychology.

Table of Contents

Research Updates	xlv
Introduction to Social Psychology	2	(24)
Methodology: How Social Psychologists Do Research	26	(30)
Social Cognition: How We Think about the Social World	56	(38)
Social Perception: How We Come to Understand Other People	94	(44)
Self-Knowledge: How We Come to Understand Ourselves	138	(34)
Self-Justification and the Need to Maintain Self-Esteem	172	(42)
Attitudes and Attitude Change: Influencing Thoughts and Feelings	214	(36)
Conformity: Influencing Behavior	250	(48)
Group Processes: Influence in Social Groups	298	(38)
Interpersonal Attraction: From First Impressions to Close Relationships	336	(44)
Prosocial Behavior: Why Do People Help?	380	(34)
Aggression: Why We Hurt Other People	414	(40)
Prejudice: Causes and Cures	454	(50)
Social Psychology in Action 1 Social Psychology and Health	504	(32)
Social Psychology in Action 2 Social Psychology and the Environment	536	(22)
Social Psychology in Action 3 Social Psychology and the Law	558