Introducing students to topical issues and controversies drawn from specific areas of social psychology, Social Psychology for Foundation Year answers a series of contemporary questions and debates by bringing together current theories and studies from a number of areas within the field. Aimed primarily at students starting out on their degree journey, this book demonstrates how psychological research can help us understand our social world.Exploring topics from the Obama effect to groupthink, from what makes a good leader to the role of social identity in riots, it demonstrates how theories and studies contribute to our understanding of human behaviour.It embraces both established theories and recent empirical evidence to enable readers to see how research is linked to practical application in psychology and empowers readers to develop a greater understanding of why we do the things we do. Social Psychology for Foundation Year is a key textbook for both foundation year and introductory psychology courses and will be of interest to anyone wanting to delve into topical issues in contemporary psychology.