Casting Nets and Testing Specimens: Two Grand Methods of Psychology

Philip Julian Runkel

ISBN 10: 0974015571 / ISBN 13: 9780974015576

Published by Living Control Systems Publishing 2007-09-01, 2007

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780974015576

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Casting Nets and Testing Specimens: Two Grand Methods of Psychology
• Publisher: Living Control Systems Publishing 2007-09-01
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0974015571
• ISBN 13: 9780974015576
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Runkel reviews current psychological research methods (i.e., 'casting nets') and tells the reader in an easily understandable way what kinds of information the methods do and do not provide. Any research method is a tool appropriate in some but not all situations. The mainstream research tools of psychology are not sufficient to explain individual behavior and its causes.

Following this review, the reader is familiarized with the concept of causation and with W.T. Powers's Perceptual Control Theory, the framework necessary for a change in perspective on human behavior (i.e., 'testing specimens'). The author explains how an appropriate investigation of causation in individual human behavior should be designed and then expands the view to an interaction between individuals.

About the Author

PHILIP J. RUNKEL is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Education at the University of Oregon. His publications include Research on Human Behavior: A Systematic Guide to Method (with Joseph E. McGrath), Handbook of Organization Development in Schools (3rd edition, with Richard A. Schmuck), several other books, and several dozen articles and chapters.