We illustrate the idiographic/nomothetic debate by comparing 3 approaches to using daily self-report data on affect for predicting relationship quality and breakup. The 3 approaches included (a) the first day in the series of daily data; (b) the mean and variability of the daily series; and (c) parameters from dynamic factor analysis, a…

Several factors thought to influence the representativeness of behavioral assessment data were examined in an analogue study employing a multifactorial design. Systematic and unsystematic methods of observing group behavior were investigated using 18 male and 18 female observers. Additionally, valence properties of the observed behaviors were…

"Chaos" theory is a revolutionary new paradigm developed by scientists to study the behavior of natural systems. "Chaos" refers to the tendency of dynamic non-linear systems toward irregular, sometimes unpredictable, yet deterministic behavior. Major tenets of the theory are presented. The precedent for use of models developed…

A "theory-in-use" model of interpersonal action is elaborated which describes a system of interpersonal behavioral principles that has essentially negative consequences on learning and decreases effectiveness. Experimental social psychology research is examined and found to be largely in implicit accordance with this model. A new model is proposed…

This paper is based on a PhD dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles. Research supported in part by the U.S. Public Health Service.

The concept of behavior settings--the environments shaping individual behavior--was originated by Roger Barker in 1950 in connection with his community surveys in a small Kansas town, code-named Midwest. This book seeks to provide rural social scientists with an understanding of Barker's eco-behavioral approach and proposed adaptations of it to…

The historical independence of expert power and opinion leadership research and theorizing is noted, with the major credit for the separateness being attributed to differences in methodological approach usually taken in the two areas of research. A theoretical attempt to relate the two areas is make by relating: (1) the general areas of social…

A conceptual model of individual assessment through the use of biodata responses with minimal input information is outlined. The process is considered especially applicable to industrial psychology. A scored autobiographical data form, which measures the individual's past behavior and experiences, provides for assignment to a specific subgroup…

During the 60's, systems for the observation of classroom behavior have become an important area of educational research. Many new systems have been devised both for the evaluation of teaching techniques and for basic research into teaching processes. In the development of such systems the investigator must determine what behaviors are to be…

Two years of observation of the behavior of visitors in several museums led to the knowledge of the degree of simplicity that is desirable in museum surroundings and of the need for pamphlets that are better prepared than the usual guide books and catalogs. It also led to the advice that museum directors become experimental psychologists, and that…