Critical Readings in Social Psychology

Book excerpt: Critical Readings in Social Psychology brings a fresh approach to the study of key topics in social psychology by contrasting classic and contemporary readings in core social psychological areas. Each chapter author presents contrasting approaches to a particular topic through the inclusion of two or three extracts from previously published texts that have been influential in shaping social psychological ideas. These extracts are supported by the author's commentary, which illuminates the part that debate and criticism play in the ways that social psychology continues to change and develop. The result is a clear and stimulating collection on seven key topics in social psychology: Close relationships Attitudes Attribution Intragroup processes Intergroup processes Conformity Individual differences A combination of textbook and reader, this book is designed specifically for social psychology students. It also provides an accessible set of teaching materials for coverage of the major topics in contemporary social psychology detailed in the British Psychological Society curriculum guidelines.