This landmark theory of interpersonal relations and group functioning argues that the starting point for understanding social behavior is the analysis of dyadic interdependence. Such an analysis portrays the ways in which the separate and joint actions of two persons affect the quality of their lives and the survival of their relationship. The authors focus on patterns of interdependence, and on the assumption that these patterns play an important causal role in the processes, roles, and norms of relationships. This powerful theory has many applications in all the social sciences, including the study of social and moral norms; close-pair relationships; conflicts of interest and cognitive disputes; social orientations; the social evolution of economic prosperity and leadership in groups; and personal relationships.

This handbook provides an authoritative, up-to-date overview of the social psychology of group processes. The topics covered include group decisions, juries, group remembering, roles, status, leadership, social identity and group membership, socialization, group performance, negotiation and bargaining, emotion and mood, computer-mediated communication, organizations and mental health. Provides an authoritative, up-to-date overview of the social psychology of group processes. Written by leading researchers from around the world to provide a classic and current overview of research as well as providing a description of future trends within the area. Includes coverage of group decisions, juries, group remembering, roles, status, leadership, social identity and group membership, socialization, group performance, negotiation and bargaining, emotion and mood, computer-mediated communication, organizations and mental health. Essential reading for any serious scholar of group behavior. Now available in full text online via xreferplus, the award-winning reference library on the web from xrefer. For more information, visit www.xreferplus.com

Excerpt from The Social Psychology of Groups Some of the implications of Ross's injunction, to begin with social interaction, may be seen by considering the distinctive aspects of social interaction that are revealed when it is compared with the simpler situation with which individual psychology has traditionally dealt. In the typical experiment in psychology the subject is in some manner under the management of the experimenter, who controls the presenta tion of stimuli, the Opportunities for behavior available to the subject, and, most importantly, the provision of diverse incentives and rewards for behavior. In general, by these various means, the experimenter exerts control over the behavior of the subject, and the procedures by which he does so constitute the independent variables of the experi ment. The behaviors that the subject actually, emits constitute, of course, the dependent variables. In these experiments it is usually assumed that the subject has no counter-control over the experimenter. What the subject does makes no difference to the investigator (at least if he is thoroughly in his scientific role of impartial seeker of truth), and even if it does make a difference it cannot be permitted to cause him to deviate from his pre arranged schedule of activities. This assumption must be valid if the two sets of variables are to have the status of independent and depend ent, in which the former can be viewed as antecedent to the latter in causal efficacy. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The Social Psychology of Behaviour in Small Groups covers theories of group behaviour and their application in organizational psychology. Topics include the structure and formation of groups and the roles that individuals play within groups, as well as more applied areas such as co-operation and conflict, teamwork, leadership and decision-making in small groups. Throughout the book theory, research and concepts are applied to real-life and everyday social behaviour. The book is well illustrated and includes many mental exercises to engage the reader. Donald Pennington has provided a lively, accessible and systematic text suitable for undergraduates studying social psychology and those studying organizational psychology on psychology and business studies courses.