The Handbook of Impression Formation: A Social Psychological Approach

The Handbook of Impression Formation provides a comprehensive overview of current and future research in the social psychology of impression formation, contextualizing it within a rich historical framework. It explores how people form snap judgments about others and how these impressions update, examining the processes through which people infer the reasons for events they encounter. The research is informed by the foundational theory of unconscious automatic processes and covers a range of approaches, including personal narratives, presentation of new data, and literature reviews. The book calls for even the most advanced scholars to contribute to the collective investigation of impression formation and is essential reading for students and academics in social psychology and the social sciences more broadly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Handbook of Impression Formation is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the social psychology of impression formation, drawing upon diverse perspectives from eminent scholars and contemporary researchers. The book contextualizes current and future areas of research within a rich historic framework, emphasizing the fundamental role of impression formation in human experience.

Chapters within the Handbook delve into the intricate processes by which individuals form snap judgments about others and how these impressions evolve over time. They examine the mechanisms through which people infer the reasons behind the events they encounter, enabling them to adapt their behavior accordingly in social contexts. The research reviewed is informed by the foundational theory of unconscious automatic processes involved in making judgments about others, pioneered by Professor Jim Uleman, who contributes a chapter that offers valuable new directions for the field.

The book also explores how certain attributes stimulate categorization, examining current issues surrounding implicit bias, stereotypes, and social media. Chapters cover a range of approaches, including personal narratives, presentation of new data and discoveries, comprehensive literature reviews, and contemplations on where the field should head and what questions require focused attention for progress to be made. The authors call for even the most advanced scholars to contribute more to the collective investigation of impression formation, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

In conclusion, The Handbook of Impression Formation is a vital resource for students and academics alike. It provides a solid foundation from which researchers can build a new and unique program of research, exploring the intricacies of human impression formation and its implications for our understanding of social behavior. With its comprehensive coverage, insightful perspectives, and practical insights, this book arms readers with the intellectual tools they need to chart new theoretical territory and discover aspects of the human experience that we have yet to even wonder about. It is an essential reading for anyone interested in the field of social psychology.

Weight: 782g
Dimension: 150 x 228 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367493141