“Readers of this book are in for a rare treat. The book usefully updates and expands Kenny’s landmark exposition published in 1994 (a mere 25 years ago), but it is much more than a mere ‘second edition.’ The topics are expanded to include, for just one important example, a thorough and even profound exposition of self-perception, as well as fascinating philosophical musings and useful applications at the end of every chapter….Thanks to David Kenny for doing the work, providing the insight, and organizing the field of interpersonal judgment at this crucial point in its history, when the field can be considered mature but is also confronting a number of possible directions as to where to go next.”

—from the Foreword by David C. Funder, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside


“This volume provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of person perception through the lens of Kenny’s Social Relations Model—arguably the field’s most innovative and creative tool for gaining insights into how people view themselves and others. The years since the first edition have given the author far more material to work with, and he has been generous in sharing his wisdom. Readers will delight that Kenny has made the content much more accessible. This volume is an indispensable reference for all social scientists interested in person perception, and will also make an excellent graduate-level textbook.”

—William B. Swann, Jr., PhD, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin


“Kenny—a towering genius and social/personality psychology’s true north—has written a book for the ages. In engaging and nontechnical prose, this book orients readers to the foundational elements of social interaction, offering deep insight into topics like consensus, accuracy, stereotyping, reciprocity, metaperception, self-perception, self-enhancement, and group dynamics. This book is essential reading for anybody seeking to understand human sociality.”

—Eli J. Finkel, PhD, Department of Psychology and Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University


“With the methods revolution, this book provides a 'must read' of the most solid and replicable social scientific research on person perception. Very few authors could weave a narrative of how decades of person perception research unfolded in the social sciences as astutely—and entertainingly—as Dave Kenny.”

—Tessa V. West, PhD, Department of Psychology, New York University