Essentials of Social Psychology

“A well written, well structured introductory textbook covering the most current literature in the field. Throughout the chapters, complex phenomena are described and explained in a comprehensible way that applies directly to the students’ everyday lives.”
Dr Torun Lindholm, Stockholm University

“By journey’s end the reader will have accumulated a comprehensive understanding of contemporary, international social psychology, and critically, will have enjoyed the trip as well.”
Dr John Kremer, Queen’s University, Belfast 

Do computer games that portray violence make people more aggressive; or are they a harmless outlet for frustrations? 

Can we study love scientifically; or should we pack the statistics away and leave it to the poets?

What makes people obey authority, even when they believe the consequences are likely to be destructive or harmful?

Essentials of Social Psychology provides an insight into questions such as those above as it guides the reader through the foundations of social psychology. Key concepts and theories are explained with clarity, debates and controversies are brought to life and the wider practical relevance of the subject is emphasised throughout.

A range of pedagogical features are included to help you consolidate your understanding and appreciate the relevance of social psychology in the real world: Research Classic boxes describe classic studies and draw out their implications and continuing relevance. Research and Applications boxes highlight more contemporary developments in social psychological research and their practical applications. Real World features look at the everyday relevance of social psychology, providing extended examples of theories and concepts in action. The Literature, Film and TV features demonstrate how social psychological concepts are dealt with in popular media

This is a clear, concise, academically rigorous, and above all accessible introduction to the main phenomena, theories and findings of social psychology.  It is the ideal resource for those studying the subject for the first time, or as part of a more general programme of study.

Michael A. Hogg is Professor of Social Psychology at Claremont Graduate University.

Graham M. Vaughan is Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland.

Essentials of Social Psychology comes with MyPsychLab, an interactive online study resource available from www.mypsychlab.co.uk. Take a test to get a personalised study plan and explore video and audio activities, animations and additional question material to consolidate and further your understanding.