Handbook of Social Psychology, 2 Volume Set, 5th Edition

"This, however, is the core book which ought to be acquired by every academic library catering for studies in human behaviour - psychology, sociology, anthropology or business studies." (Philosophy & Religion, November 2010)

[STARRED REVIEW] Not just a handbook, this can be considered the bible on social psychology. The two volumes consist of three parts: "The Science of Social Psychology," "The Social Being," and "The Social World." Fiske (psychology, Princeton Univ.), Daniel T. Gilbert (psychology, Harvard Univ.), and the late Gardner Lindzey (former president, American Psychological Assoc.) include 37 extensive articles written by world-renowned experts on such topics as the history of social psychology, social cognitive neuroscience, motivation, emotion, mind perception, morality, relationships, influence and leadership, and cultural psychology. The value of this set lies in the extensive coverage of each topic, including historical themes and overviews, leading research, practical examples, and a wealth of references. Each chapter is like reading a condensed book on the subject. As an example, the handbook illustrates how the critical contexts of each era, from the 1930s to the 2000s, affect group dynamics, attitudes, and social perception and cognition. There are numerous illustrations and diagrams that illuminate difficult topics. BOTTOM LINE Since its publication in 1935, this has proven to be the foremost reference for academics, researchers, and graduate students in psychology, as it offers the most current, well-researched, and thorough information in social psychology. In addition, the volumes are well written, and the information is accessible and valuable to a wide audience. Highly recommended.—Kathleen A. Welton, Chicago (Library Journal, May 1, 2010)

"Social psychology sometimes seems to be expanding faster than the universe and no scholar, no matter how dedicated, can hope to keep up without help--a lot of help. We have sorely needed an up-to-date edition of the venerable Handbook that, in its previous incarnations, helped keep our ignoramus quotient down to less than embarrassing proportions. The new edition has arrived at last and, needed more than ever, it also delivers more than ever. The editors have skillfully mapped the discipline as it exists today, no easy task in itself, and then brought together dozens of enthusiastic experts to describe their special corner of the cosmos. We social psychologists have reason to be grateful.
–Ellen Berscheid, Professor of Psychology, University of Minnesota

"This Handbook comprises an outstanding set of dispatches from the front lines of social psychological research. Each provides a thorough, incisive, and cutting edge treatment of the crucial contributions the field has made toward the understanding of social life. It is an essential resource."
–David Dunning, Professor of Psychology, Cornell University

"Leaders of the field of social psychology have produced, in this 5th edition of the Handbook of Social Psychology, a comprehensive survey that will prove both fascinating and essential to everyone in the field."
–Richard E. Nisbett, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan