Entering the Circle: Hermeneutic Investigation in Psychology

by Martin J. Packer, Richard B. Addison

Overview

Entering the Circle addresses the practical and methodological aspects of research within the interpretive or hermeneutic perspective. It contains descriptions of exemplary interpretive research projects in psychology and closely allied fields. Offering insight into the range and subtleties of the methods of interpretive inquiry, this collection challenges the reader to question the assumptions behind more traditional research that aims, instead, to objectify human phenomena.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791400159
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	07/03/1989
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Martin J. Packer is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of California at Berkeley and a Research Scientist at Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development in San Francisco. Richard B. Addison is a clinical psychologist in private practice, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family and Community medicine at the University of California, San Francisco's School of Medicine, and a member of the Behavioral Science faculty in the Family Practice Residency Program at Community Hospital of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California.

Editorial Reviews

"This book presents under one cover some of the best or most developed examples of interpretive investigation to date. It also does a solid job of proving the theory and rationale for this type of inquiry and analysis, but most importantly it collects superior and exemplary instances of it for researchers, students, and teachers. The conceptual framework provided for the book is clearly presented and works exceptionally well for identifying problems with traditional approaches and opening up the hermeneutic avenue. Virtually every chapter presents the contributor's ideas clearly and with evident enthusiasm and commitment. The authors are either highly prominent or well-qualified thinkers and social scientists whose interest and commitments center on the type of work they report here." — Frank Richardson, University of Texas at Austin

From the Publisher

Twelve accounts of interpretive research projects in developmental, clinical, social, and educational psychology demonstrate the practical and methodological aspects of such study. The three sections cover: the discovering of a workable perspective, conducting an inquiry within the adopted perspective, and critiquing results. The introduction compares hermeneutic (interpretive) views with those of empiricism and rationalism. Paperback edition ($17.95) unseen. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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