Book excerpt: In this volume, a diverse group of leading social psychologists explores topics central to to work of W.J. McGuire (considered one of the pioneers of cognitive psychology), including self-concept, language, mass media and political communication, the history of social psychology, and contextualist philosophy of science. Each chapter delivers a perspectivist analysis of the questions central to the authors' own area of study. As a result, new and emerging agendas for social psychology have emerged, united under the theme of perspectivist methodology and the study of thought systems. Like McGuire's own work, these chapters balance the ideal scientific components of theory, methodology, and empirical data. This provocative volume illustrates the broad influence of McGuire's theories and methodologies and will serve as an important catalyst for research in social psychology for years to come. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).