Conceptual Metaphor in Social Psychology : Routledge : 9781848724716 : 1848724713 : 12 Dec 2016 : We learn in grade school that metaphor is an ornamental figure of speech reserved for poets. But we now know that it is also a key strategy people use to make sense of the world, from basic concepts like time and causation to the major social issues facing society. In this book, Mark Landau clarifies with wide-ranging evidence the many ways conceptual metaphor guides our thoughts and actions, shining a light on the cognitive underpinnings of social life. Conceptual Metaphor in Social Psychology synthesizes over twenty-five years of in-depth research. Drawing from innovative experiments conducted around the globe, Landau shows conclusively that individuals and groups use metaphor?often unconsciously?to grasp abstractions, make judgments and decisions, communicate, and organize their behavior. Each chapter explores metaphor's importance for understanding a major topic in social psychology: