Theories in Social Psychology

In this wonderful compilation of theories, at the core of modern social psychology, presented to us by Derek Chadee, we are given a special gift that enriches scholars, teachers, and students of psychology in social and general psychology. We are treated to a clear exploration of these theories, some of the research and controversy that each has generated, and are given some guidelines to new paths for future exploration of their implication. My research career has benefited from working in the domain of dissonance, attribution, and social comparison theories, but my teaching and textbook writing has relied on all of the theories and their concepts so elegantly orchestrated here. Philip G. Zimbardo, Stanford University This exciting volume, with contributions from major social psychological scientists, calls attention to the fundamental truth that theories are what our enterprise is all about. And that beyond the facts, the fashions and the Zeitgeists, beyond story findings and fancy effects, our understanding of human social behavior boils down to our theoretical knowledge of the processes involved. A must read for all those for whom social psychology is near and dear to their hearts and minds. Arie W. Kruglanski, University of Maryland This volume contains a solid presentation of major theories in social psychology. The historical roots, tenets, and research substantiation of a broad range of theories are laid out in a lucid and detailed manner. Contemporary applications addressing everyday situations in an ever interconnected social world increase the book's utility across parent disciplines. Jaipaul L. Roopnarine, Syracuse University Most contemporary volumes on social psychology emphasize applied research, while neglecting to address the important theories that shape the discipline. A deeper understanding of the theoretical framework that underlies social psychology allows researchers the opportunity to reflect on current work and become inspired for future areas of enquiry. Theories in Social Psychology addresses this substantial deficiency in current literature by bringing together the work of a range of distinguished scholars who have written critically within the area of social psychology. Twelve social psychological theories relating to social cognition, social comparison, social reinforcement, and self are critically discussed in-depth: cognitive dissonance, reactance, attribution, social comparison, relative deprivation, equity, interdependency, social identity, social categorization, self perception, symbolic interactionism, and impression management. Theories in Social Psychology fills a long-awaited need by articulating the important psychological theories that shape our understanding of social behavior.