Theory and Explanation in Social Psychology

Theory and Explanation in Social Psychology

Author: Bertram Gawronski

Publisher: Guilford Publications

Published: 2015-01-07

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 1462518486

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This volume provides the first authoritative explication of metatheoretical principles in the construction and evaluation of social-psychological theories. Leading international authorities review the conceptual foundations of the field's most influential approaches, scrutinizing the range and limits of theories in various areas of inquiry. The chapters describe basic principles of logical inference, illustrate common fallacies in theoretical interpretations of empirical findings, and outline the unique contributions of different levels of analysis. An in-depth look at the philosophical foundations of theorizing in social psychology, the book will be of interest to any scholar or student interested in scientific explanations of social behavior.


The Scope of Social Psychology

The Scope of Social Psychology

Author: Miles Hewstone

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2007-03-12

Total Pages: 615

ISBN-13: 1135419736

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Social psychology attempts to understand, explain, predict and, when needed, change people's thoughts, feelings and behaviours. For a relatively young discipline it has already made great strides toward this awe-inspiring goal. Pioneers such as Lewin, Asch, Kelley and Festinger began groundwork in the 1940s and 1950s, but it was only in the late 1960s that social psychology came of age. Since then it has blossomed, both in investigating the basics of the discipline and in applying the insights from fundamental social psychology to different fields related to the area. This volume is devoted to the development of understanding in the field of social psychology over the last four decades, focusing on both basic and applied social psychology. Contributions are gathered under five main areas: attitudes and attitude change; social cognition and emotions; interpersonal and group processes; health behavior; and bereavement and coping. These five domains not only illustrate the scope of social psychology, but also pay tribute to one of the key figures in modern social psychology, Wolfgang Stroebe. Remarkably, he has made significant contributions across all five of these areas, and his research achievements exemplify the progress, prospects and problems faced by modern social psychology over the last 40 years. This volume includes contributions from some of the most distinguished names in the field, and all authors provide an overview or critical look at their specific area of expertise, tracing historical developments where appropriate. The Scope of Social Psychology provides a broad-ranging, illustrative review of the field of modern social psychology.


Applying Social Psychology

Applying Social Psychology

Author: Abraham P Buunk

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2007-11-15

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1446223027

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`I think this is a wonderful book. The social psychological theories are exceptionally well presented for practical use. Anyone studying social psychology will find this book extremely relevant and accessible' - Gerjo Kok, Professor of Applied Psychology, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University `This is a highly readable book dealing with an exciting topic, applied social psychology, which is at the heart of many urgent problems of the new millennium. It is well suited for curing the disease of those who still believe there is an opposition between fundamental and applied research, between theories and practice. The major asset of this volume lies in the originality and strength of the PATH concept -- from problem definition, over analysis, and test, to helping. I like the idea to implement and institutionalize this framework in teaching and in education' - Klaus Fiedler, University of Heidelberg Introducing a new methodological approach for doing applied psychology, the PATH model, this book offers a simple, systematic, step-by-step, easy-to-use methodology for applying primarily social psychological theory to a wide range of social problems, from tackling crime and prejudice to fostering environmental conservation and team performance. It helps and guides students to define a problem, conduct a theory-based analysis, develop an explanatory model, set up and execute a research project to test the model, and develop an intervention. Applying Social Psychology is a highly practical text, which can be used by introductory and advanced level students who want to learn how to analyze practical problems and develop solutions for these problems based upon social psychological theory and research. Written in an engaging and accessible way, this book offers: 1. A new methodological model put forward by the authors (PATH model); 2. Real world case studies; 3. End of chapter exercises; 4. Interviews with leading social psychologists; 5.Glossary of key theories and concepts in social psychology; 6. Recommended further reading.


Applied Social Psychology

Applied Social Psychology

Author: Linda Steg

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-04-27

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 1107044081

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An introduction to how social psychological theories, methods and interventions can be applied to manage real-world social problems.


Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology

Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology

Author: Paul A M Van Lange

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2011-08-31

Total Pages: 1148

ISBN-13: 1473971373

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Providing a comprehensive exploration of the major developments of social psychological theories that have taken place over the past half century, this innovative two-volume handbook is a state of the art overview of the primary theories and models that have been developed in this vast and fascinating field. Authored by leading international experts, each chapter represents a personal and historical narrative of the theory′s development including the inspirations, critical junctures, and problem-solving efforts that effected theoretical choices and determined the theory′s impact and its evolution. Unique to this handbook, these narratives provide a rich background for understanding how theories are created, nurtured, and shaped over time, and examining their unique contribution to the field as a whole. To examine its societal impact, each theory is evaluated in terms of its applicability to better understanding and solving critical social issues and problems.


Social Psychology in Action

Social Psychology in Action

Author: Kai Sassenberg

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-07-01

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 3030137880

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This timely and applied textbook brings together leading scientists to illustrate how key theories and concepts in social psychology help to predict and explain behavior, and can be successfully applied to benefit social and practical problems. It focuses on robust theories and models known for their successful applications and covers a diverse range of settings—spanning classroom interventions, health behavior, financial decision making, climate change and much more. Each chapter comprises of a theoretical section to define the key concepts and summarize the theory, providing evidence for its reliability and limitations from basic research, as well as an application section that summarizes research in an applied context and provides details about a particular study including the respective application setting. The textbook expertly shows how theory can make meaningful predictions for real world contexts, and isn’t afraid to explain the potential hurdles and pitfalls when applying a theory and its underlying set of concepts in a certain context. Crucially, this format moves towards theory testing in applied contexts, enabling a closer examination of why and under what circumstances interventions may be successful in obtaining a desired behavioral or psychological end-state. Among the topics explored: Mindset theory of action phases and if-then planning Quality of motivation in self-determination theory The focus theory of normative conduct Social identity theory and intergroup contact theory Intergroup forgiveness Social Psychology in Action is a critical resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in social and cultural psychology, as well as students of behavioral economics seeking to develop a deeper understanding of major theories and applications of the fields. Practitioners working in the areas of organizational behavior and management, health communication, social work, and educational science and pedagogy will also find the volume pertinent to their work.


Applied Social Psychology

Applied Social Psychology

Author: Jamie A. Gruman

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Published: 2016-09-08

Total Pages: 1150

ISBN-13: 1506353959

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This student-friendly introduction to the field focuses on understanding social and practical problems and developing intervention strategies to address them. Offering a balance of theory, research, and application, the updated Third Edition includes the latest research, as well as new, detailed examples of qualitative research throughout.