Social Psychology in Natural Settings: A Reader in Field Experimentation

Social Psychology in Natural Settings: A Reader in Field Experimentation

by PaulGeorgeSwingle (Editor)

Synopsis

The study of human behavior in actual social settings is an extraordinarily complex area of research. Social behavior, unlike the controlled conditions of the laboratory, is affected by an enormous number of variables and environments. Researchers, therefore, are faced with the task of designing adequate experiments that have the sophisticated controls necessary to increase the experimenter's confidence that a relationship between a particular stimulus in a social environment and a particular social response actually exists. This distinctive supplementary text for social psychology courses gives students a real feeling for the possibilities of experimentation outside the laboratory.

The reprinted and abstracted articles in this book are reports of experimental studies conducted in natural settings, and the orientation is scientific--focusing on consistencies between laboratory and field research, rather than their inconsistencies. The book discusses research on discrimination, status, prosocial behavior, dissonance, attitude change, interpersonal and group influence, compliance performance, change and rumors, honesty, and participation. The chapters were selected on the basis of both content and methodology and demonstrate particularly ingenious applications of experimental methodology to the study of natural settings. Throughout the book, the editor stresses the ethical and moral issues associated with field research, demonstrating that scientific work must be humane as well as rigorous.

Social Psychology in Natural Settings is appropriate for course use at introductory as well as more advanced levels. It is instructive and useful as a reference volume for graduate students and researchers as well.

$66.81

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 341
Edition: illustrated edition
Publisher: AldineTransaction
Published: 15 Dec 2007

ISBN 10: 0202361748
ISBN 13: 9780202361741

Media Reviews

[T]his book represents a development that sociologists cannot afford to ignore. . . . Swingle's book may be counted as a useful contribution in making more visible current achievements in this direction, thus pointing the way to future development.

--Robert C. Leonard, Contemporary Sociology


[T]his book represents a development that sociologists cannot afford to ignore. . . . Swingle's book may be counted as a useful contribution in making more visible current achievements in this direction, thus pointing the way to future development.

--Robert C. Leonard, Contemporary Sociology


-[T]his book represents a development that sociologists cannot afford to ignore. . . . Swingle's book may be counted as a useful contribution in making more visible current achievements in this direction, thus pointing the way to future development.-

--Robert C. Leonard, Contemporary Sociology

Author Bio
Paul G. Swingle was professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa. He has also been head of clinical psychophysiology service at McLean Hospital. He is currently a registered psychologist in British Columbia and is board certified in biofeedback and neurotherapy. He is the owner and founder of Swingle & Associates.