Encyclopedia of Social Psychology

"The editors state that 'social psychology is the study of how normal people think, feel and act.' The contributors then describe many behaviors that fall within and outside wide normal limits. They include terms and theories that are used to study, explain and understand human behavior. Most entries begin with a definition and include appropriate subheadings to highlight important aspects, e.g., history, background, usage, verbal illustrations, evidence implications, and other labels that provide focus. See also references and short 'further readings' lists accompany each signed entry. Both volumes have a complete, highly detailed index that includes the subheadings and other relevant mentions of the term. The specialist nature of the vocabulary is evident in the discussion of such terms as 'elevation,' as being the desire to perform acts of charity, and as being moved by excellence in another person; and the 'Ringlemann Effect,' which means expending less effort as part of a group than when working alone. The set offers clear descriptions of commonly used and sometimes misunderstood term, e.g., cultural differences, authoritarian personality, and neuroticism. The field has expanded since publication of 'The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Psychology,' ed. by A Manstead and M. Hewstone et al. (CH, Jan'96, 33-2457), and this work is a valuable response to that. Summing Up: Recommended. All Levels."
-CHOICE CHOICE 20080201