William R Meyers

Social Science Methods for Psychodynamic Inquiry

The Unconscious on the World Scene

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

This book explains, with case examples, a variety of social science research methods suitable for studying the unconscious components of irrational social and political actions in world affairs, which can be defined as those that are intensely destructive, self-destructive, or extremely bizarre. The book argues that they are driven in part by feelings and fantasies that are outside of conscious awareness. Meyers explores the role of empathy in clinical understanding, as well as the value of exposing assertions to empirical disconfirmation. With a variety of research methods such as survey research, content analysis, and narrative analysis, and case examples such as studies of 'irreal' statements by authoritarian leaders, fabricated newspaper articles and climate change denial, this book sheds light on how to conduct research on psychodynamic matters in a scientifically valid and credible way.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan / Palgrave Macmillan UK / Springer Palgrave Macmillan
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 978-1-137-52489-8
• 2015
• Seitenzahl: 253
• Erscheinungstermin: 30. Juni 2015
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 216mm x 140mm x 16mm
• Gewicht: 456g
• ISBN-13: 9781137524898
• ISBN-10: 1137524898
• Artikelnr.: 42236812

Autorenporträt

William R. Meyers is Professor Emeritus in Psychology at the University of Cincinnati, USA. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, was on the faculty of Harvard and M.I.T., and has served as the Director of Research for the Peace Corps.

Inhaltsangabe

1. Psychodynamic Inquiry and Social Science Methodology 2. Exploring the Empathic Method 3. What to Look For In Psychodynamic Inquiry 4. Explorations in the Disconfirmation of Psychodynamic Assertions 5. Integrating Social Science Concepts and Findings into Psychodynamic Research 6. A Panoply of Social Science Methods 7. An Adventure in Narrative Analysis 8. A Systematic Study of Irreality 9. The Munich Crisis Examined: An Experiment in Collaboration in Data Interpretation 10. Methods for Studying Irrationality in Organizations, Institutions and Social Movements: a Case Study in Urban Design 11. Methods for Studying Climate Change Denial, and Corporate Acquisitiveness

Rezensionen

"This book is conceived as a guidebook and toolbox, a 'how-to' manual for inquiries into the psychodynamics of world politics. Offering small and easily accessible subchapters, Meyers outlines different methodological approaches to integrating social scientific and psychoanalytic viewpoints with the aim of shedding light on non-rational and bizarre aspects of world politics." (Steffen Krüger, American Imago, Vol. 74 (2), 2017)

"Meyers has produced a book about research methodologies that is quite readable and thoroughly enjoyable. ... Meyers' style and content have contributed to a book that is both comprehensible and relevant to understanding internal mental life and current world events. ... recommend to anyone who prefers to ask questions a la the method of inquiry over the method of authority in which the king, organized religion, or the government dictate what constitutes the truth." (Burton Norman Seitler, Clio's Psyche, Vol. 22 (3), December, 2015)