Ego psychology in case work

This article discusses major concepts of developmental theory in terms of their concurrence with neurobiological information. Regulation theory is used to summarize the development and functions of the right hemisphere, the workings of two distinct memory systems, and right-brain involvement in attachment functions. The clinical relevance of interpersonal neurobiology to transference and countertransference is illustrated with a clinical case example.     

The limitations of the factor-analytical approach to psychology with special application to Cattell's research strategy

It is shown that Cattell's research strategy can be reduced to accepting the model of factor analysis: Cattell formalized the concept of trait, denning it as a factor and identified personality with a configuration of factors which can be obtained inductively from the empirical data. The main issue of the discussion lies therefore in cognitive consequences of factor analysis, whose merits and restrictions determine the value of Cattell's system. In particular, it is discussed why Cattell did not succeed with complete verification of his main hypothesis of the so-called indifference of media.Cattell's approach may be interpreted as an interesting attempt at the construction of a certain language in which expressions are formed according to rules determined by the choice of a particular program of factor analysis. Thus, one may say that Cattell constructed a semantics of personality theory. The discussion deals also with various aspects and consequences of this linguistic interpretation. In particular, the possibilities of application of the models of mathematical linguistics to psychology are analyzed.Received August, 1971     

The power of directional predictions in psychology

The vast majority of empirical hypotheses in psychology, or in the social sciences more generally, are directional whereas in other sciences, such as the physical sciences, there are more point or narrow-interval empirical hypotheses. Characteristics of theories and auxiliary assumptions play a role in the difference. Given that psychology research strongly features directional predictions, it is important to question the extent to which these provide convincing tests of theories that they are designed to test. The present work aims to provide a nuanced view that considers the complex interaction between the obviousness of directional predictions, the obviousness of the theory from which they derive, and the quality of the auxiliary assumptions that push towards directional predictions. Then, too, there is the related issue of vulnerability of directional predictions to alternative explanations and how to address them.     

Using case study in library research

An examination of the case study approach which combines conceptual clarification with a pragmatic discussion of technique. The author sees the emergence of the case study as a consequence of the difficulties of applying the methodology of the sciences to problems ‘in which human behaviour, action or intention play a large part’. History, ethnography and particularly educational research are shown to offer models and insights into the case study tradition. The author has recently embarked upon a project which uses multi-site case studies to examine sixth formers' capacity for independent, library-based work, and he uses this as a framework for discussion of the questions to be considered by those contemplating research of this kind. He considers three main sources of information (interviews, documents and observation), their integration into case records; and narrative, vignette and analysis as alternative methods of reporting. He draws attention to the agonies of ‘writing-up’, and sees it as crucial to find forms of presentation conducive to a critical reaction on the part of the reader ‘rather than a willing suspension of disbelief’.     

落实推进科技发展的政策措施

2006年,全国科学技术大会召开,这次大会的主要议题是部署实施《国家中长期科学和技术发展规划纲要》,温家宝总理在这次大会上做了《〈国家中长期科学和技术发展规划纲要〉的讲话》的报告,温总理的《讲话》是指导我国科学技术研究发展规划方向的战略性文件,它明确了今后我国科技工作的着力点和主攻方向.     

The Troubled Families Programme: Learning about policy impact through realist case study research

This article aims to critically explore how qualitative case study research that is founded on realist principles can fundamentally enhance social policy evaluation methodologies and, in turn, provide improved learning for policy makers and practitioners. We suggest that these methodological advantages are accrued through the careful construction of theory-based explanations of “how” policy programmes work thereby addressing the limitations of quasi-experimental methods—namely, a focus on and prioritisation of outcome measures. The paper situates this key argument within wider, long-standing debates about evidence-based policy making and what constitutes “evidence” of impact in social policy. It does so through reflection on the contentious and contradictory knowledge claims that surround the Troubled Families Programme and evaluative claims regarding its efficacy. In conclusion and looking forward, we suggest that there remains much scope to combine “intensive” qualitative case studies with “extensive” quantitative measures within local and national evaluations of complex, multidimensional social policies, such as the Troubled Families Programme.     

The framing of nothing and the psychology of choice

Journal of Risk and Uncertainty - Zero outcomes are inconsequential in most models of choice. However, when disclosing zero outcomes they must be designated. It has been shown that a gamble is...     

三论普通心理学体系中的矛盾及其构建

现行普通心理学把心理过程和个性放在一个维度上绘成体系表 ,是违背形式逻辑的。如果放在二维的框架内来理解 ,更符合心理学中心理过程与个性的实质逻辑关系。     

Auditing biochemical research data: A case study

There is little documentation in the literature of how to conduct a data audit of laboratory research. The purpose of such an audit is to verify the extent to which the published data agree with the corresponding laboratory notebook data and whether the data thus examined appear to be sufficient to justify the published conclusions. A case study is presented, which demonstrates a step by step approach towards conducting a data audit of a published research study.     

Experiment-dependent priors in psychology and physics

Sometimes conducting an experiment to ascertain the state of a system changes the state of the system being measured. Kahneman & Tversky modelled this effect with support theory. Quantum physics models this effect with probability amplitude mechanics. As this paper shows, probability amplitude mechanics is similar to support theory. Additionally, Viscusi's proposed generalized expected utility model has an analogy in quantum mechanics.     

当前社会大众政治心理分析

大众政治心理作为政治领域的精神现象,是社会政治现象中的一个特殊方面.它是一种以大众为主体对象,以公平政治参与为主要功能,并辅之以现代化传媒手段、经营和生产方式的现代政治文化意识.大众政治心理包括政治意识、政治信息、政治舆论、政治道德、政治信仰等方面,对社会政治生活具有正负效应,了解当前社会大众政治心理在社会文化和社会变迁中的表现,提出相应的优化对策十分重要.     

The psychology of AMBER Alert: Unresolved issues and implications

The AMBER alert system is likely affected by a number of psychological processes, yet remains understudied. The system assumes people will remember Alert information accurately and notify police, but psychological research on related phenomena (e.g., memory, willingness to help) indicates that people may not be able or willing to act in ways the promote the success of the system. In addition, the system is intended to deter child abductions, however, the system could prompt copycat crimes from perpetrators seeking publicity. The system could also cause a precipitation effect in which a perpetrator who sees the Alert could decide to murder the child immediately to avoid capture. Policy recommendations are made based on psychological research and theory, although more research is needed to develop the most effective system possible.     

社会心理对艺术与社会互动的中介作用

社会心理是艺术与社会互动关系中必不可少的中介因素。从艺术形象的创造过程中 ,从审美风尚和审美趣味的变迁历史中 ,从艺术思潮的兴衰演变中 ,都可以看到社会心理的感染。如果忽略了社会心理的重要中介作用 ,就难以对艺术发展的复杂性做出合理的解释     

The topic of subjectivity in psychology: Contradictions,paths and new alternatives

This paper draws a picture of how topics related to subjectivity have appeared in different psychological theories, such as psychoanalysis, Gestalt and post‐structuralist approaches, discussing in depth a specific proposition from a cultural‐historical standpoint. I argue that, in most of these theories, subjectivity has been used to refer to specific processes and phenomena without advancing a more general theory about it. The way in which subjectivity was treated within the Cartesian/Enlightenment tradition, taken together with the individualistic tradition of psychology, led critical psychological theories to reject the concept. In this way, such critical theories have omitted the heuristic value of subjectivity to study processes that can neither be exhausted by language, nor by discourse. A new proposal of subjectivity is highlighted, based on the cultural‐historical tradition in psychology. From this perspective, subjectivity is defined by units of emotions and symbolical processes generated throughout human experience. On the basis of such definition, I discuss how institutionalized orders can be subverted by subjective productions that represent new social pathways. Far from being a remnant of Modernity, in this way subjectivity is defined as a human production, capable of transcending the apparent objective limits of human existence.     

Cumulative influence: the case of political settlements research in British policy

The concept of the political settlement has risen to occupy a central place in British policy toward conflict-affected and fragile states. Yet, at around the turn of the millennium, the term was barely mentioned in official circles and the so-called ‘good governance’ approach held sway as the dominant operational mode. So, how had this transformation in policy approach come about and what was the role of research? In this article, we demonstrate that research played a central role in influencing the rhetoric of policymakers through a process we term ‘cumulative influence’. Indeed, the subject of political settlements represents an excellent case study for understanding the dynamics of research utilisation. It allows us to build on existing models and suggest useful ways forward in this important area of public policy analysis.     

Norms and functions in citation: The view of journal editors and referees in psychology

The views of psychology journal editors and editorial advisory board members were sought on the nature and functions of citation. Information was gathered using an 18 item questionnaire. The feeling emerged that citation was a skill which authors acquired osmotically. Considerable support was given to the idea that editors and referees could play a more positive role in establishing and encouraging consistency in authors' citation practices. Where appropriate, replies have been interpreted in the light of prevailing theory. Practical reasons for further research in this area are also considered.