Social Beings: Core Motives in Social Psychology, 4th Edition

ISBN: 9781119492733

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It is a nearly universal truth that people need people; humans have adapted to life with other humans, and the interactions and relationships that result are the most relevant adaptation environment. Social Beings: Core Motives in Social Psychology, 4th Edition book explores the core motives and goals that shape these interactions with others, with the self, and collectively as a group; in other words, “Why do people do what they do?” A brief overview of the field’s unifying themes—belonging, understanding, controlling, enhancing self, and trusting—gives way to a detailed exploration of the human condition as well as the techniques used to study and understand it.

By delving into the motivations behind attraction, helping, bias, persuasion, aggression, and more, this book helps students grasp the complex interplay of internal and external cues and influences that inform every interaction. An emphasis on real-world applications relates social psychology principles to everyday life, and this latest revision has been updated with the most recent research and trends to provide an accurate picture of the state of the field. Blending traditional topics with new developments in an informal, readable style makes this the ideal text to ignite students’ deeper interest and full engagement with social psychology concepts.


  • Blends classic and contemporary topics to build a more relevant understanding of the field.
  • Integrates cultural considerations throughout, rather than as a separate topic.
  • Draws on the latest research, classical and contemporary fiction, and examples from students themselves.
  • Emphasises applications including health, law, politics, marketing and more.
  • Builds from well-designed pedagogy to logically flow from the intrapersonal, to the interpersonal, to group dynamics.
  • Introduces social psychology fundamentals in a uniquely engaging manner.
Susan T. Fiske
Chapter 1. Introduction: Adaptive motives for social situations, via cultures and brains

Chapter 2. Scientific methods for studying people in interaction

Chapter 3. Ordinary personology: Figuring out why people do what they do

Chapter 4. Social cognition: Making sense of others

Chapter 5. The self: Social to the core

Chapter 6. Attitudes and persuasion: Changing hearts and minds

Chapter 7. Attraction: Initiating romance, friendship and other relationships

Chapter 8. Close relationships: Passion, interdependence, commitment and intimacy

Chapter 9. Helping: Prosocial behaviour

Chapter 10. Aggression: Antisocial behaviour

Chapter 11. Stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination: Social biases

Chapter 12. Small groups: Ongoing interactions

Chapter 13. Social influence: Doing what others do and say

Chapter 14. Conclusion: Social beings

E-Text: 9781119492108
Textbook: 9781119492733