This paper challenges the neglect of psychotherapeutic methods in therapy research and discusses the use of methods arising directly from therapy practice to generate research data. Recent developments in therapy research culture are critiqued in order to contextualise the present contribution. The research design and methodology evolve from the…

Over the past few years, the focus group method has assumed a very important role as a method for collecting qualitative data in social and behavioural science research. This article elucidates theoretical and practical problems and prospects associated with the use of focus groups as a qualitative research method in social and behavioural science…

This article presents the author's response to Nicola Rollock's critique on the author's paper in which the author has argued that ethnographic data should be more widely used in psychology (Woods 2005, 2007b). Rollock argues that the paper neglects Zak's level of educational achievement, and fails to critically interrogate his teachers' actions…

Despite having drawn from empirical evidence and cumulative prior expertise in the formulation of research questions as well as study design, each study is treated as a stand-alone product rather than positioned within a sequence of cumulative evidence. While results of prior studies are typically cited within the body of prior literature review,…

The use of multivariate statistics in behavioral research is investigated, with emphasis on the reasons why multivariate methods can be so important. The concepts of testwise and experimentwise error are explained, and it is noted that multivariate methods can be used to control the inflation of experimentwise Type I error. It is also noted that…

Finds that when subjects have a week to reflect on the research hypothesis, they will attempt to prove the hypothesis. Does not find, however, that increased information yields negative research results. (RL)

Presented are the report and recommendations of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research regarding the involvement of children in research, with particular emphasis on P.L. 93-348. Following an introductory section, containing definitions of terms relevant to the report, are 10…

Ecological violations, observer problems, and intrusions of real world phenomena are discussed in relation to observations of family interaction in home settings. (Author/SB)

The use of large-N group comparison research methods based on a nomothetic model is compared with idiographic methods employing single-system designs and intensive study of the individual. Limitations of the nomothetic model and advantages of the idiographic approach are presented. (SK)

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…

This paper argues that behavior analysis is not technological to a fault, but rather has a faulty technology by being incomplete. The paper examines reinforcers and punishers that result from the outcomes of either (1) striving for better experimental control, or (2) inventing theories to explain why current control is imperfect. (JDD)

Paper presented at the Merrill-Palmer Institute on Research and Training of Infant Development (Detroit, Mich., Feb. 15-17, 1968).

Offers evidence that experimental results may be distorted by subject nonnaivety and notes the need to eliminate such contamination, as well as means of assuring subject naivety. Tables and bibliography. (RW)

Criticizes an earlier essay that questioned the validity of contemporary educational research practices, especially those involving experimentation. Argues that research using experimentation is valid and can lead to new and generalizable knowledge. (FMW)