This book illustrates the complementary nature of social, cognitive, and biological levels of analysis and how research integrating these levels can foster more comprehensive theories of the mechanisms underlying complex behavior and the mind.
Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists have collaborated for more than a decade with the common goal of understanding how the mind works. These collaborations have helped unravel puzzles of the mind, including aspects of perception, imagery, attention, and memory. Many aspects of the mind, however, require a more comprehensive approach to reveal the mystery of mind-brain connections. Attraction, altruism, speech recognition, affiliation, attachment, attitudes, identification, kin recognition, cooperation, competition, empathy, sexuality, communication, dominance, persuasion, obedience, morality, contagion, nurturance, violence, and person memory are just a few. Through classic and contemporary articles and reviews, Social Neuroscience: Key Readings illustrates the complementary nature of social, cognitive, and biological levels of analysis and how research integrating these levels can foster more comprehensive theories of the mechanisms underlying complex behavior and the mind.
"Social neuroscience is, arguably, the most revolutionary forward-looking development in 21st century science. Nothing compares with its ability to integrate mind, body, and social behavior. Social Neuroscience: Key Readings puts the teeth into that potential as no other contribution has to date. It is must reading for any scientist in this area.." -- Shelley E. Taylor, University of California at Los Angeles"There has been rapid growth in using neuroscience methods to understand social cognition and behavior. John Cacioppo and Gary Berntson perform the valuable task of sifting through this vast interdisciplinary literature for papers that illuminate the workings of the social brain. With enlightening and lucid introductions, the editors bring together a superb collection of recent papers relevant to the core issues of social neuroscience. This reader is perfect for any advanced undergraduate course or graduate seminar and is also of great value to academics seeking a concise introduction to this burgeoning literature. ." -- Todd F. Heatherton, Dartmouth College"This is the place to start if you want to find out what social neuroscience is. The editors have done a superb job in assembling the fundamental and foundational works in the field. This book should be required reading for all graduate students in psychology -- and for all researchers and teachers who want to keep up with cutting-edge developments in the field.." -- Stephen M. Kosslyn, Harvard University
