Action Theory: A Primer for Applied Research in the Social Sciences

The authors describe a view that our short-, medium-, and long- term behavior, interactions, and relationships―whether planned or spontaneous, purposeful or playful―can be understood in terms of goal-directed systems. An understanding of action theory and research methods used in applied settings is provided. It leads to the conclusion that individual processes are joint processes and the joint construction of lives should be monitored to understand ongoing personal and social involvements.

The unique contribution of this book lies in its bringing together and extending of basic features of the theory of goal-directed action systems previously published in a range of scattered research and conceptual articles in the literature. Professionals including clinicians, counselors, social workers, researchers, doctors, nurses, and physical or occupational therapists will find in this book an accessible means to understand, act on, research, and intervene in the behavioral processes they encounter in everyday work.

LADISLAV VALACH is Oberassistant of Psychology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He is also a psychotherapist at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Medical Clinic at Buerger Hospital in Solothurn, Switzerland.

RICHARD A. YOUNG is Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia. His earlier books include Interpreting Career: Hermeneutical Studies of Lives in Context (Praeger, 1992) and Methodological Approaches to the Study of Career (Praeger, 1990).

M. JUDITH LYNAM is Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of British Columbia. She is Co-Director of the School of Nursing Cultural Studies and Health Research Unit.