Psychology recognises no borders. The relationships between people and the groups they form are determined by similar principles no matter where in the world they come from. This book has been written to introduce students from all countries and backgrounds to the exciting field of social psychology. Recognising the limitations that come from studying the subject through the lens of any one culture, James Alcock and Stan Sadava have crafted a truly international social psychology book for the modern era. Based on classic and cutting-edge scholarship from across the world, An Introduction to Social Psychology encourages mastery of the basics as well as critical thinking. Incorporating relevant insights from social neuroscience, evolutionary theory and positive psychology, it offers: Chapters on crowd behaviour and applied social psychology Discussion of new means of social interaction, including social media Relevant insights from social neuroscience, evolutionary theory and positive psychology A companion website features extensive additional resources for students and instructors
Part I: Introducing Social Psychology Chapter 1: Studying Social Behaviour Part II: Understanding Your Social World Chapter 2: Social Perception and Cognition Chapter 3: The Social Self Chapter 4: Attitudes, Ideologies and Values Part III: Influencing Others Chapter 5: Attitude Change Chapter 6: Social Influence Chapter 7: Language and Communication Part IV: Friends and Foes Chapter 8: Interpersonal Attraction and Close Relationships Chapter 9: Prosocial Behaviour Chapter 10: Cooperation and Conflict Chapter 11: Aggression Part V: People in Groups Chapter 12: Social Identity, Groups and Leadership Chapter 13: Prejudice Chapter 14: Crowds and Collective Behaviour Part VI: Social Psychology in Action Chapter 15: Applied Social Psychology
Whereas many textbooks of social psychology essentially list off a stream of facts and findings from the field, Alcock and Sadava tell the story of social psychology, providing context and interpretation necessary to understand why we, as social creatures, act, think, and behave as we do. Their global perspective does a great service to the field and will benefit educators and students internationally. -- Professor Gordon Hodson I found this text to be well laid out and very comprehensible - engaging and user friendly. For the undergraduate students that I teach, this text is concise and pitched at the right level. I appreciate the turn towards some critical perspectives within social psychology to encourage the student's critical mentality. -- Dr Joe Hinds Very exciting and potentially transformative - this is a book that is truly global in scope. -- Dr Victoria Scaife
