Social Interaction

Social Interaction

by Michael Argyle (Author)

Synopsis

This is the first book-length work to reflect the recent trend in social psychology away from artificial laboratory test results. It focuses directly on the detailed, concrete elements of social behavior as they are observed in a real-life setting.

Michael Argyle's approach here differs from that more generally taken in two respects. First, he discusses human interaction in terms of the basic elements of behavior-bodily and facial movements, gestures, eye-movements, facial expression, proximity, and orientation, the verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication.

Second, he has drawn on research in such varied areas as psychiatry, anthropology, linguistics, ethology, developmental and organizational psychology, as well as on his own extensive experimental studies. Particular emphasis is given to the biological roots of interaction, and to its cultural setting.

Social Interaction demonstrates a strong awareness of the current theories of social psychology, while restricting itself in exposition to the observable aspects of human interaction. The result is a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to social interaction. This is primarily a textbook for students of social psychology, but it covers a field that is of central importance for all students of the social and biological sciences.

$66.61

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 508
Edition: New edition
Publisher: AldineTransaction
Published: 15 Mar 2007

ISBN 10: 0202309126
ISBN 13: 9780202309125

Media Reviews

[T]he work is an impressive collection of findings and ideas that cross-cut several academic disciplines... Argyle is at times quite pointed in his criticism of traditional social psychological studies, particularly experimental studies... In a day where it is easy, if not fashionable, to attack social science for reasons that frequently have little empirical basis, Argyle's endeavor is to be both appreciated and held up to students as an example of good scholarly effort.

--Frank D. Bean, American Sociological Review

Those who are interested in kinesics, or nonverbal communication, should find this text very useful.

--J. Sherwood Williams, Journal of Marriage and Family

[T]he book is a valuable reference and a source of insight into an important developing point of view... [T]he wide range of research techniques represented may make it surprisingly appropriate for a course in methods of research in social science.

--Phoebe Ellsworth, American Scientist


[T]he work is an impressive collection of findings and ideas that cross-cut several academic disciplines... Argyle is at times quite pointed in his criticism of traditional social psychological studies, particularly experimental studies... In a day where it is easy, if not fashionable, to attack social science for reasons that frequently have little empirical basis, Argyle's endeavor is to be both appreciated and held up to students as an example of good scholarly effort.

--Frank D. Bean, American Sociological Review

Those who are interested in kinesics, or nonverbal communication, should find this text very useful.

--J. Sherwood Williams, Journal of Marriage and Family

[T]he book is a valuable reference and a source of insight into an important developing point of view... [T]he wide range of research techniques represented may make it surprisingly appropriate for a course in methods of research in social science.

--Phoebe Ellsworth, American Scientist


-[T]he work is an impressive collection of findings and ideas that cross-cut several academic disciplines... Argyle is at times quite pointed in his criticism of traditional social psychological studies, particularly experimental studies... In a day where it is easy, if not fashionable, to attack social science for reasons that frequently have little empirical basis, Argyle's endeavor is to be both appreciated and held up to students as an example of good scholarly effort.-

--Frank D. Bean, American Sociological Review

-Those who are interested in kinesics, or nonverbal communication, should find this text very useful.-

--J. Sherwood Williams, Journal of Marriage and Family

-[T]he book is a valuable reference and a source of insight into an important developing point of view... [T]he wide range of research techniques represented may make it surprisingly appropriate for a course in methods of research in social science.-

--Phoebe Ellsworth, American Scientist

Author Bio
Michael Argyle (1925-2002) held the position of Reader in Social Psychology at Oxford University and was a Fellow of Woolfson College. He was the author of numerous books and papers in British and American journals, he helped found and, was joint editor of the British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. He also played an important part in the establishment of the Social Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society and served as its Secretary and Chairman.