Blind Alleys in Social Psychology: A Search for Ways Out (Advances in Psychology)

Real advances are not made in blind alleys (or culs-de-sac). In Social Psychology, as in every branch of science, the paths which appear to offer progress do not always result in theoretical elegance. Certain basic problems persistently defy final solution. This volume surveys the foundations and methods of Social Psychology with the aim of identifying ways out of the research maze. It examines the history and traditions of the field, looks at methodology and conceptual schemes, and discusses the actual research methods used. Content: Edited by Page iii Copyright Page Page iv Introduction and Preface Pages 1-10 Chapter 1 How Many Social Psychologies are There? Original Research Article Pages 11-67 Antti Eskola Chapter 2 The Experiment in Social Psychology: Alcohol Research as a Case in Point Original Research Article Pages 69-115 Oili-Helena Ylijoki Chapter 3 The Psychological Foundations of Social Psychology Original Research Article Pages 117-157 Klaus Weckroth Chapter 4 Social Psychology as an Historical Discipline Original Research Article Pages 159-238 Antti Eskola Chapter 5 Non-Active Role-Playing: Some Experiences Original Research Article Pages 239-311 Antti Eskola Name Index Pages 315-320 Subject Index Pages 321-323 Real advances are not made in blind alleys (or culs-de-sac). In Social Psychology, as in every branch of science, the paths which appear to offer progress do not always result in theoretical elegance. Certain basic problems persistently defy final solution.

This volume surveys the foundations and methods of Social Psychology with the aim of identifying ways out of the research maze. It examines the history and traditions of the field, looks at methodology and conceptual schemes, and discusses the actual research methods used.