This workshop is an introduction to the foundations and applications of rational choice theory in social research. We will analyse the individual’s action as the result of both self-regarding and material preferences and social, other-regarding and universal preferences and will discuss how the interaction between individual actions lead to social and economic outcomes. We will show that those outcomes are often paradoxical using a purely utilitarian or perfectly-socialised interpretation of human action, and are better explained by considering that individuals trade between the diverse goals and that socialisation and morality play a big role in shaping preferences along with self-interest. The workshop is interested in the interpretation and empirically use of theoretical models. Topics include models of collective action, political behaviour, educational attainment, and labour market exchange.