The Scientific Practice of Professional Psychology (Nato Science Series B: (closed))

This extraordinary volume addresses the practice of psychology in the context of scientific inquiry, regarding practitioners as "local clinical scientists" and addressing the validity of their methodology through the philosophy of science. Positivistic/empirical, idealist/pragmatic, and socio-cultural/constructionist approaches are all considered by the authors as they discuss such topics as research design, quantitative analysis, the linkage of theory and data, and qualitative analysis. Rigorous and far-sighted, this profound meditative discourse will prove fruitful reading for professionals and academics in the fields of mental health and social work.