What's Behind the Research?: Discovering Hidden Assumptions in the Behavioral Sciences
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
This volume encourages students to engage in critical thinking by exploring the main assumptions upon which behavioral science theories are based and offering some alternatives to these assumptions. The text begins with a review and critique of the major theoretical approaches: psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, cognitivism, eclecticism, structuralism and postmodernism. The authors then discuss the key assumptions underlying these theories - knowing, determinism, reductionism and science. They trace the intellectual history of these assumptions and offer contrasting options. The book concludes by examining ways of coming to terms with some of the inadequacies in the assumptions of the behavioral sciences.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0803958633
ISBN13:9780803958630
Release Date:August 1995
Publisher:Sage Publications
Length:264 Pages
Weight:0.98 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"
Related Subjects
Behavioral Psychology Behavioral Sciences Education Education & Reference Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Mathematics Politics & Social Sciences Psychology Psychology & Counseling Reference Research Schools & Teaching Science & Math Social Sciences Social Theory Study Skills Studying & Workbooks Textbooks Writing, Research & Publishing GuidesCustomer Reviews
2 ratings
A Landmark in the Behavioral Sciences
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
The book is easy to read, for a student in the behavioral sciences. Although written for undergraduates the book presents important concepts useful to anyone involved in scientific research . In reviewing the history of research techniques used in the behavioral sciences the book makes a vivid distinction between assumptions and fact. Counter-intuitive ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner that will help the reader to be a better critical thinker and conduct more accurate research. Read early on in your undergraduate education for it will cultivate your mind.
A Consumers Guide to the Behavioral Sciences
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is about the philosophy of the behavioral sciences. However, as the title indicates it is written as a sort of "Consumer guide". There are presentations and discussions of psychodynamic theory, behaviorist theory, humanist theory, cognitive theory, eclecticism, structuralism and postmodernism. There are also chapters on epistemology, determinism, reductionism and the nature of science. Taken as a consumer guide, I found the book useful. Especially, I found the discussion about eclecticism (and its hidden assumptions)and about the problems of being too applied useful. The book is not only relevant for psychology, but for many areas in the social sciences. I have used some of the arguments in this book about library and information studies (se my article "Library and information science: practice, theory, and philosophical basis" in the journal Information Processing and Management, vol. 36(3), 2000, pp. 501-531).
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
