Psychology Library Editions: Social Psychology (30 Volume set) brings together an eclectic mix of titles from a wealth of authors with diverse backgrounds, seeking to understand human behaviour and interaction from a socio-psychological perspective. The series of previously out-of-print titles, originally published between 1908 and 1993, includes those from some authors considered to be founders of social psychology and traces the development of the subject from its early foundations.
Combining the efforts of sociologists and psychologists, this work, originally published in 1952 and revised in 1966, embraces these two disciplines to show how social-psychological problems must be viewed in individual as well as general terms. Human interaction is, therefore, the main theme of this authoritative and rewarding volume, which offers a more comprehensive viewpoint than texts written from with a strictly psychological or a strictly sociological approach. Whenever it can be shown that interaction intervenes between individual and group variables, the authors carefully note the manner in which this occurs. Well written yet succinct, the chapters are closely integrated to present continuously developing concepts of the time. Research illustrations are set off typographically but skilfully woven into the related text. Three appendixes, one on the measurement of individual attitudes, a second on survey research, and a third on Bale’s interaction process analysis, may be consulted without interrupting the flow of the other chapters.
Psychology Library Editions: Social Psychology (30-volume set) brings together an eclectic mix of titles from a wealth of authors with diverse backgrounds, seeking to understand human behaviour and interaction from a socio-psychological perspective. The series of previously out-of-print titles, originally published between 1908 and 1993, includes those from some authors considered to be founders of social psychology and traces the development of the subject from its early foundations.
Originally published in 1980, this title was the first of a new monograph series in social psychology. The editor presents a format for showing the progress of social psychology as a viable, exciting and relevant discipline. The papers contained in this volume represent progress in theory and method as well as in basic and applied research. In addition, recognising that not all social psychology is produced by people who label themselves as ‘social psychologists’ the volume contains the contributions of scholars who are best known for their work in other areas.
Originally published in 1987 this third edition won praise from students and instructors alike for its challenging "no nonsense" approach to the field. Thoroughly updated to reflect current research of the time, the text retains the qualities that had become its hallmarks: a cognitive approach to the process of socialization, and an emphasis on the ideas that give the discipline continuity. It offers clear, conceptually integrated discussions of all of the major topics in social psychology from the time. Shaver's focus on the concepts of social psychology provides a framework for students to develop their own applications. The principles of social behavior are presented in the text in the same way they develop in the individual moving from internal processes (social perception, self-recognition) to external issues (the environment, the law) that influence behavior. Shaver weaves contemporary issues into his treatment of basic theories, using examples from everyday situations. His supple writing engages students in the complexity of social behavior, and is one reason this title remained one of the most highly regarded texts in the field at the time.
Prejudice is a topic of major interest to psychologists and sociologists, but had rarely been given the broad treatment its importance demanded. Originally published in 1985, this title first introduces the term, showing how it is related to other terms commonly used in psychology and the social sciences, and explains simply and clearly what a scientific analysis must involve. It then goes on to show how prejudice affects our reasoning and judgement in a wide variety of spheres in addition to race or ethnic attitudes. Next it traces the development of prejudiced attitudes towards black people in Britain and the New World, through the slave system and the slave trade, with a brief look at the remarkably similar development of ethnic attitudes in South Africa at the time. It then goes on to discuss the debate about race differences in intelligence, showing simply and clearly what the statistical assumptions underlying the heritability hypothesis are. Following that the psychological explanation of prejudice and principles explaining prejudice are spelled out, the question of sex prejudice is dealt with, and finally, the extent of ethnic prejudice in Britain and the USA is discussed. The final chapter is a summary of the general principles and conclusions discussed through the book. This title provides a scientific and historical perspective on prejudice, a thorough literature review, and clear summarising principles of prejudice, in a simple and straightforward style.
Originally published in 1988, this book outlines a new evolutionary paradigm for understanding human society and mental structure, originating from the editor's work in primate ethology. It is supported and further elaborated by the contributors. Chance argues that two modes of social interaction, the agonic and hedonic, underlie social life and corresponding mentality. In the agonic mode we are concerned with self-security and our attention is much taken up with being accepted by a group. This mode is based on a recently discovered state of inhibited (braked) mental arousal. Social behaviour is either authoritarian or authority subservient, and has a tendency to control or be controlled. It curbs intelligence and restricts personality development. In the hedonic mode we are freer to form a network of personal relationships that are typically mutually supportive. The hedonic mode leads to the development of self-confidence and a relaxed empathic and collaborative personality with intelligence enhanced. The volume will still be of interest to all concerned with human affairs including those working in ethology, primatology, anthropology, social psychology, psychiatry and political sociology.
