Elliot Aronson is among the 100 most influential psychologists of the 20th Century. He is best known for his theorizing and research on cognitive dissonance theory -- one of the most provocative and enduring theories in contemporary psychology -- and for his design of the "jigsaw classroom," an applied method of reducing conflict and prejudice in multiethnic schools. Throughout his illustrious career, he has championed the application of social-psychological theory and methods for solving such pressing social problems as prejudice, energy efficiency, conflict and miscommunication in relationships, and the reasons why many people justify their mistakes rather than learn from them. Aronson is the only psychologist in the history of the American Psychological Association to have won all three of its top awards: for research, teaching, and writing. In this Festschrift, friends, colleagues, and former students write with warmth, clarity, and humor about Aronson’s enduring influence on the field of social psychology and on their own professional lives as researchers, writers, and teachers. Topics covered include contemporary research on cognitive dissonance theory; the changing face of experimentation in social psychology; and applied research on energy policy, education, the legal system, intergroup conflict, and prejudice and discrimination.

Reviews

"The book covers the numerous works of Elliot Aronson, showing his outstanding work not only as a researcher but also as a writer, teacher, and mentor. It is an interesting and informative read for everyone including established researchers and psychologists, as well as students, and social and non-social psychologists alike. … The book provides an outstanding coverage of research in the field, and some direction for future research, and highlights that social psychology, and psychology in general, does and will continue to develop theories and play a great role in real-life applications. It is a book which is very much worth read Rhian Worth, Swansea University, UK, in Social Psychological Review

"It is only fitting that this volume brings together a stellar array of authors and a deeply instructive set of chapters. Nothing less could properly honor the extraordinary contributions of Professor Aronson." - Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D., Author of Influence: Science and Practice, Regents' Professor Emeritus of Psychology & Marketing, Arizona State University, USA

"Before Blink, Nudge, and Happiness, we had Elliot Aronson: A legendary wizard, master impresario, beautiful writer, pioneering experimenter, and caring mentor. Just as his Social Animal thrilled seekers after social knowledge, this book introduces the Willie Mays of social psychology to anyone who cares about practical theories and cool research." - Susan T. Fiske, Ph.D., Eugene Higgins Professor, Princeton University, USA

"Elliot Aronson is a pioneer in so many areas - attraction, prejudice, cognitive dissonance theory, energy policy, cla...