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Social psychology is the part of psychology that studies human interaction: its manifestations, its causes, its consequences, and the psychological processes involved. It is an extraordinarily popular subject of informal and formal study and a major focus of scientific research. Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. Like other sciences, social psychology has its own specialist language, arcane technical terms, subtle distinctions, sophisticated research methods and arid statistical analyses. It can at times seem dry. Introductory textbooks in this field are often weighty tomes designed to train students to be scientific social psychologists. They are usually pitched at those specializing in social
psychology. During the years immediately following World War II, there was frequent collaboration between psychologists and sociologists. However, the two disciplines have become increasingly specialized and isolated from each other in recent years, with sociologists focusing on “macro variables” (e.g. social structure) to a much greater extent. Nevertheless, sociological approaches to social psychology remain an important counterpart to psychological research in this area.

Test Yourself: Social Psychology aims to provide a concise and accessible yet scholarly introduction to the essentials of social psychology. Social psychology has developed in such a way that it sits at the intersection of disciplines. It is influenced by and has influence on developments and perspectives outside social psychology – this interdisciplinary potential is one of the strengths of social psychology. Studies in social cognition draw on experimental cognitive psychology. What is sometimes called individual psychology contributes personality tests and other diagnostic tests that can be used as correlates of social processes. Research dealing with social norms and groups brings social psychology into contact with sociology and social anthropology.

This Book is a viable tool for academics, researchers, and graduate students in psychology turn to for the most current, well-researched, and thorough information covering the field of social psychology. This volume of the Fifth Edition covers the science of social psychology and the social being.