This volume presents ways of thinking dramatically different from mainstream psychology, which is seen by many as primarily a product of Western civilization. Asian social psychologists in this edited collection apply Asian perspectives to issues of major concern in their societies, including parental beliefs about shame and moral socialization in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States; achievement motivation in Taiwan and the United States; and the effects of school violence on the psychological adjustment of Korean adolescents. Other chapters examine the role of social psychologists in Confucian societies, and group dynamics in Japan. The authors believe psychological research using an indigenous approach will enable Asian as well as non-Asian psychologists to understand the cognitions and behaviors of Asian people more accurately. Scholars and students interested in Asian psychology, social, cultural and cross-cultural psychology will find this volume of interest.

Originally published in 1980, this title was the first of a new monograph series in social psychology. The editor presents a format for showing the progress of social psychology as a viable, exciting and relevant discipline. The papers contained in this volume represent progress in theory and method as well as in basic and applied research. In addition, recognising that not all social psychology is produced by people who label themselves as ‘social psychologists’ the volume contains the contributions of scholars who are best known for their work in other areas.

Tell any smoker that his habit is unhealthy, and he most likely will agree. What mental process does a person go through when he or she continues to do something unhealthy? When an honest person tells a "white lie," what happens to his or her sense of integrity? If someone must choose between two equally attractive options, why does one's value judgement of the options change after the choice has been made? In 1954 Dr. Leon Festinger drafted a version of a theory describing the psychological phenomenon that occurs in these situations. He called it cognitive dissonance: the feeling of psychological discomfort produced by the combined presence of two thoughts that do not follow from one another. Festinger proposed that the greater the discomfort, the greater the desire to reduce the dissonance of the two cognitive elements. The elegance of this theory has inspired psychologists over the past four decades. Cognitive Dissonance: Perspectives on a Pivotal Theory in Social Psychology documents the on-going research and debate provoked by this influential theory.

The contributions to this volume capture the thrill of current work on social influence, as well as providing a tutorial on the scientific and technical aspects of this research. The volume teaches the student to: Learn how to conduct lab, field and case research on social influence through example by leading researchers Find out about the latest discoveries including the status of research on social influence tactics, dissonance theory, conformity, and resistance to influence Discover how seemingly complex issues such as power, rumors, group and minority influence and norms can be investigated using the scientific method Apply knowledge to current influence campaigns to find out what works and what does not. The Science of Social Influence is the perfect core or complementary text for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in courses such as Attitudes and Attitude Change, Communications, Research Methods and, of course, Social Influence.

In this volume, a diverse group of leading social psychologists explores topics central to to work of W.J. McGuire (considered one of the pioneers of cognitive psychology), including self-concept, language, mass media and political communication, the history of social psychology, and contextualist philosophy of science. Each chapter delivers a perspectivist analysis of the questions central to the authors' own area of study. As a result, new and emerging agendas for social psychology have emerged, united under the theme of perspectivist methodology and the study of thought systems. Like McGuire's own work, these chapters balance the ideal scientific components of theory, methodology, and empirical data. This provocative volume illustrates the broad influence of McGuire's theories and methodologies and will serve as an important catalyst for research in social psychology for years to come. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).