Download or read book Theorists Models in Action written by Marvin Alkin and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 2005-08-11 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume analyzes how evaluation theorists apply their approach in practice. A scenario of a situation at an elementary school is presented to four prominent theorists, who describe how they would design and conduct an evaluation of the school's program. The editors consider the theorists' proposed evaluations, as well as their subsequent comments, to develop themes related to the influence of theory and context on practice. They also provide a comparative analysis of the theorists' evaluation approaches in relation to the context of evaluation case presented. Evaluation theorists seem to be quite good at propounding on how they think the evaluation world ought to work. Yet do we really know that what theorists say they would do in practice is indeed what they would actually do? Evaluation, after all, is situational. Each context offers its own constituency, set of values, programmatic elements, bureaucratic hurdles, and other variables. This volume demonstrates why evaluators need to adapt their point of view to a particular situation, and provides much-needed study and analysis on the way in which they make those adaptations. This is the 106th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Evaluation.
Download or read book Instructional Theories in Action written by Charles M. Reigeluth and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-10-24 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Companion volume to the award-winning best seller Instructional Design Theories and Models, this book serves as a concrete introduction to instructional design for curriculum developers, teachers and teacher trainers, and students. Eight major theorists translate their works and theories into sets of instructional prescriptions; corresponding model lessons provide step-by-step illustrations of these theories. Instructional Theories in Action features: *overviews of the most important prescriptions and corresponding sample lesson plans written by the original theorists; *practical, concrete approaches to presenting the major strategies and principles; *model lessons focusing on the same objectives to facilitate comparisons of the theories; *numbered comments that identify which instructional prescription is being implemented at each point of the sample lessons; *chapter introductions, footnotes, and student study questions, and *clear identification and cross referencing of commonalities that are often masked by varying terminology.
Download or read book Toward a Structural Theory of Action written by Peter H. Rossi and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Toward a Structural Theory of Action: Network Models of Social Structure, Perception, and Action centers on the concept of social structure, perceptions, and actions, as well as the strategies through which these concepts guide empirical research. This book also proposes a model of status/role-sets as patterns of relationships defining positions in the social topology. This text consists of nine chapters separated into three parts. Chapter 1 introduces the goals and organization of the book. Chapters 2-4 provide analytical synopsis of available network models of social differentiation, and then use these models in describing actual stratification. Chapter 5 presents a model in which actor interests are captured. Subsequent chapter assesses the empirical adequacy of the two predictions described in this book. Then, other chapters provide a network model of constraint and its empirical adequacy. This book will be valuable to anthropologists, economists, political scientists, and psychologists.
Download or read book Game Theory in Action written by Stephen Schecter and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2016-04-05 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essential textbook for learning game theory strategies Game Theory in Action is a textbook about using game theory across a range of real-life scenarios. From traffic accidents to the sex lives of lizards, Stephen Schecter and Herbert Gintis show students how game theory can be applied in diverse areas including animal behavior, political science, and economics. The book's examples and problems look at such fascinating topics as crime-control strategies, climate-change negotiations, and the power of the Oracle at Delphi. The text includes a substantial treatment of evolutionary game theory, where strategies are not chosen through rational analysis, but emerge by virtue of being successful. This is the side of game theory that is most relevant to biology; it also helps to explain how human societies evolve. Aimed at students who have studied basic calculus and some differential equations, Game Theory in Action is the perfect way to learn the concepts and practical tools of game theory. Aimed at students who have studied calculus and some differential equations Examples are drawn from diverse scenarios, ranging from traffic accidents to the sex lives of lizards A substantial treatment of evolutionary game theory Useful problem sets at the end of each chapter
Download or read book Conscious Action Theory written by Wolfgang Baer and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-11-20 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Conscious Action Theory provides a logical unification between the spirit and the material, by identifying reality as an event that processes personal experiences into explanatory memories, from which personal experiences are regenerated in a never-ending cycle of activity. Baer explores the idea that our personal feelings are undeniable facts that have been systematically excluded from the basic sciences, thereby leaving us with a schizophrenic division between objective materialism and spiritual idealism. Cognitive Action Theory (CAT) achieves this unification by recognizing that the observer’s existence is the foundational premise underlying all scientific inquiry. It develops as an event-oriented physical theory in which the first-person observer is central. By analyzing the methods through which we human observers gain knowledge and create the belief systems within which our experiences are explained, we discover a fundamental truth: all systems are observers and exhibit some form of internal awareness. Events, not the objects appearing in them, are the fundamental building blocks of reality. The book is comprised of three parts: the first addresses the paradigm shift from an object to an event-oriented world view, the second develops the foundations of action physics for an event-oriented world view and the third provides examples of how these new ideas can be applied to move our knowledge up the next evolutionary step of human development. This book will benefit anyone questioning their role in the universe, especially those in interdisciplinary fields of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience and medicine, who seek understanding of quantum theory as the physics of conscious systems that know the world.
Download or read book Evaluation Roots written by Marvin C. Alkin and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2004-02-19 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Initially, evaluation was derived from social science research methodology and accountability concerns. This book examines evaluation theories and traces their evolution with the point of view that theories build upon theories and, therefore, evaluation theories are related to each other.
Download or read book Psychological Modeling written by Albert Bandura and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2021-05-09 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Classic Edition of this key text highlights seminal work done in the subject of learning by modeling and offers an extensive review of the major theories, edited by one of the most influential psychologists of his generation. In his introductory essay, Bandura identifies the most important controversial issues in the field of observational learning and reviews a large body of research findings, before carefully chosen articles, written by a team of expert contributors, tackle a range of key debates in the field. Topics explored include the role of reinforcement play in observational learning, the scope of modeling influences, the types of people most susceptible to modeling influences, and the relative effectiveness of models presented in live action, in pictorial presentations, or through verbal description. Written in a lively and engaging manner, this book will be of interest to all psychology students interested in psychological modeling, as well as educators and professionals working with children.
Download or read book The Theory of Communicative Action written by Jürgen Habermas and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-10-07 with total page 512 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here, for the first time in English, is volume one of Jurgen Habermas's long-awaited magnum opus: The Theory of Communicative Action. This pathbreaking work is guided by three interrelated concerns: (1) to develop a concept of communicative rationality that is no longer tied to the subjective and individualistic premises of modern social and political theory; (2) to construct a two-level concept of society that integrates the 'lifeworld' and 'system' paradigms; and (3) to sketch out a critical theory of modernity that explains its sociopathologies in a new way. Habermas approaches these tasks through a combination of conceptual analyses, systematic reflections, and critical reconstructions of such predecessors as Marx and Weber, Durkheim and Mead, Horkheimer and Adorno, Schutz and Parsons. Reason and the Rationalization of Society develops a sociological theory of action that stresses not its means-ends or teleological aspect, but the need to coordinate action socially via communication. In the introductory chapter Habermas sets out a powerful series of arguments on such foundational issues as cultural and historical relativism, the methodology of Verstehen, the inseparabilty of interpretation from critique. In addition to clarifying the normative foundations of critical social inquiry, this sets the stage for a systematic appropriation of Weber's theory of rationalization and its Marxist reception by Lukacs, Horkheimer and Adorno. This is an important book for degree students of philosophy, sociology and related subjects.
Download or read book Social Psychology in Action written by Kai Sassenberg and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-07-01 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This timely and applied textbook brings together leading scientists to illustrate how key theories and concepts in social psychology help to predict and explain behavior, and can be successfully applied to benefit social and practical problems. It focuses on robust theories and models known for their successful applications and covers a diverse range of settings—spanning classroom interventions, health behavior, financial decision making, climate change and much more. Each chapter comprises of a theoretical section to define the key concepts and summarize the theory, providing evidence for its reliability and limitations from basic research, as well as an application section that summarizes research in an applied context and provides details about a particular study including the respective application setting. The textbook expertly shows how theory can make meaningful predictions for real world contexts, and isn’t afraid to explain the potential hurdles and pitfalls when applying a theory and its underlying set of concepts in a certain context. Crucially, this format moves towards theory testing in applied contexts, enabling a closer examination of why and under what circumstances interventions may be successful in obtaining a desired behavioral or psychological end-state. Among the topics explored: Mindset theory of action phases and if-then planning Quality of motivation in self-determination theory The focus theory of normative conduct Social identity theory and intergroup contact theory Intergroup forgiveness Social Psychology in Action is a critical resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in social and cultural psychology, as well as students of behavioral economics seeking to develop a deeper understanding of major theories and applications of the fields. Practitioners working in the areas of organizational behavior and management, health communication, social work, and educational science and pedagogy will also find the volume pertinent to their work.
Download or read book Systems Theory in Action written by Shelly Smith-Acuña and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-11-02 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Smith-Acuña illuminates the structural hierarchy, roles, and boundaries that give a system structure. The relationship between parts and wholes is both simple and profound, and particularly important in looking at systems structure. These morsels of wisdom are good examples of Smith-Acuña's grace as a systems theory tour guide: one moment she's digging deeper into the nuances among the theories, the next moment she's simplifying without dumbing down, but in a manner that is enormously liberating. We enjoy the fun, full, and informed journey with her." —Frank S. Pittman III, MD A practical presentation of systems theory as a fundamental model for clinical practice Valuable for seasoned mental health professionals as well as those in training, Systems Theory in Action presents systems theory—the unifying principles surrounding the organization and functioning of systems—as it applies to individual, couples, and family therapy. This innovative book explores systems theory as an effective model for general mental health practice. It examines the role systems theory can play, specifically in understanding clients' presenting problems in context, within the various systems and subsystems in which the problems are embedded. Filled with realistic clinical stories illustrating relevant concepts that tie theory to technique, Systems Theory in Action takes an in-depth look at: Systems theory as a solid guide through the dynamic process of psychotherapy The multilayered value of observing human interactions through a systems view Systemic thinking, its core components, and how it serves to reveal a "big picture" view of clients and their presenting problems Systems Theory in Action is a unique contribution to the field, translating the technical terminology of general systems thinking into common, everyday language.
Download or read book Action Theory and Communication Research written by Karsten Renckstorf and published by Walter de Gruyter. This book was released on 2008-08-22 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The action theoretical approach has already proved its value as a framework for communication research, most especially in the study of media audiences and media use. It has deep roots in Weberian sociology, symbolic interactionism and phenomenology and it has been a robust survivor of the various storms that have beset the practice of the social sciences since the collapse of structuralist and social system paradigms. The social action approach privileges the perspective of the acting individual but offers guidelines for connecting the subjective orientation with networks of social interaction and for treating 'behaviour' as a social process. Research within this framework takes account of the wider social context and calls for a careful combination of empirical observation and interpretation, with a corresponding diversity of methodologies. The appeal of the approach stems also from its flexibility, wide range of applications and sensitivity to cultural and social meanings. The contributions assembled in this book, despite their diversity, can all be placed within the framework of social action theory. Some are reports of empirical inquiries, others reflections on theory but each one sheds some light on the significance of media use in everyday experience and contributes to an understanding of communication in society.
Download or read book Theories of Action and Morality written by Mark Alznauer and published by Georg Olms Verlag. This book was released on 2016-02-01 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Die in diesem Band versammelten Essays erörtern die Frage nach der Möglichkeit des Verstehens menschlichen Handelns ohne den Rückbezug auf moralische Werte und Normen. Obwohl die Autoren sich dieser Frage auf ganz unterschiedliche, manchmal divergierende, Weisen nähern, verbindet sie alle die Annahme, es sei nicht wünschenswert oder sogar inkohärent, das menschliche Handeln grundsätzlich unabhängig von moralischen Werten zu betrachten. Die Herausgeber haben sich um eine für Philosophen und Gesellschaftswissenschaftler gleichermaßen attraktive Beitragssammlung bemüht. Die Verknüpfung philosophischer und soziologischer Perspektiven könnte zur Klärung gegenseitiger Missverständnisse beitragen, die aufgrund eines mangelhaften Dialogs zwischen der philosophischen und soziologischen Handlungstheorie erwachsen sind. In diesem Band enthalten sind Essays von Terry Pinkard, Sebastian Rödl, Dieter Schönecker, Ana Marta González, John Levi Martin, Alejandro N. García Martínez, Sophie Djigo, Teresa Enríquez und Evgenia Mylonaki. The essays in this volume address the question of whether we can understand human action without reference to moral norms or values. Although the authors approach this question in different and sometimes even incompatible ways, they are united in thinking that it is undesirable or even incoherent to treat human agency as if it were conceptually independent of value questions. The editors have attempted to invite contributions that would be interesting to both philosophers and social theorists. The conjunction of philosophic and sociological perspectives might help to overcome some of the mutual misunderstandings that have been fostered by a lack of dialogue between the philosophic and sociological action theory. The volume includes essays by Terry Pinkard, Sebastian Rödl, Dieter Schönecker, Ana Marta González, John Levi Martin, Alejandro N. García Martínez, Sophie Djigo, Teresa Enríquez, and Evgenia Mylonaki.
Download or read book Integral Theory in Action written by Sean Esbjörn-Hargens and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2010-08-01 with total page 483 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a world as complex as ours, an integral approach is needed to help sort through a dynamic landscape and respond effectively to individual and collective challenges. Integral Theory in Action provides the first multi-authored overview of such an approach. Integral Theory is the result of 30 years of research and is being applied in over 35 distinct disciplines. This volume brings together two dozen leading scholar-practitioners who are actively applying integral principles and who address a range of issues from an integral perspective including: climate change, embodiment, feminist aesthetics, community discourse, treatment of depression, developmental theory, and global ethics. The strengths, limitations, and potential of Integral Theory and Ken Wilber's AQAL model are weighed by each contributor. This collection pushes the field of Integral Theory in new ways and new directions, and provides a comprehensive overview that makes it an invaluable resource for any integral effort.
Download or read book Action Theory written by Ladislav Valach and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2002-07-30 with total page 285 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authors describe a view that our short-, medium-, and long- term behavior, interactions, and relationships—whether planned or spontaneous, purposeful or playful—can be understood in terms of goal-directed systems. An understanding of action theory and research methods used in applied settings is provided. It leads to the conclusion that individual processes are joint processes and the joint construction of lives should be monitored to understand ongoing personal and social involvements. The unique contribution of this book lies in its bringing together and extending of basic features of the theory of goal-directed action systems previously published in a range of scattered research and conceptual articles in the literature. Professionals including clinicians, counselors, social workers, researchers, doctors, nurses, and physical or occupational therapists will find in this book an accessible means to understand, act on, research, and intervene in the behavioral processes they encounter in everyday work.
Download or read book The Theory of Reasoned Action written by Cynthia Gallois and published by Garland Science. This book was released on 2015-04-27 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Theory of reasoned action explores the theory and emphirical reserach in to the factors which influence whether people engage in high-risk practices , with specific reference to AIDS education.
Download or read book Integral Theory and Transdisciplinary Action Research in Education written by Bohac Clarke, Veronika and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2018-12-28 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With its growing recognition in education, the importance of Integral Theory is slowly entering mainstream academia through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Addressing the theory’s complexity is important for researchers to learn how to apply it in their classrooms and promote a more inclusive educational environment. Integral Theory and Transdisciplinary Action Research in Education provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the Integral Theory model and its applications within educational contexts. With a diverse array of research problems approached through an inclusive theory framework and featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as graduate student research, inclusion culture, and organizational learning processes, this publication is ideally designed for graduate students, educators, academicians, researchers, scholars, educational administrators, and policymakers seeking current research on the utility and promise of Integral Theory as a meta-framework for methodological pluralism and transdisciplinary research.
Download or read book Society in Action written by Piotr Sztompka and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 1991-08-27 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Society in Action, Piotr Sztompka sets forth a highly topical contribution to central theoretical debates of contemporary sociology. Taking the idea and practice of collective mobilization as his theme, Sztompka argues that modern institutions, particularly of late, are characterized by an increasing awareness of collective empowerment. The most obvious concrete expression of this phenomenon, as Sztompka makes clear, is the rise of a diversity of active social movements such as those which dramatically transformed Europe in the 1980s, from the birth of Solidarity in 1980 to the 1989 "Autumn of Nations." Sztompka connects the interpretations of such collective activity to a wider grasp of the nature of social action. The result is a comprehensive and original theory of social change which focuses on the self-transforming influence on society of its members' striving for freedom, autonomy, and self-fulfillment. He develops his theory by means of a general concept of "social becoming," the roots of which he traces to the early romantic and humanist work of Karl Marx and his followers and to two influential sociological schools of today, the theory of agency and historical sociology. Sztompka situates his theory midway between the rigid determinism of social totalities and the unbridled voluntarism of free individuals. Social change, he demonstrates, can be understood neither as the outcome of individual actions taken alone nor as structurally determined actions. Instead, he confers upon social organizations and movements a "self-transcending" quality: they express human agency yet, by virtue of their active character, are quite often able to achieve unpredictable outcomes. Throughout his analysis of social movements and revolutions in history, Sztompka emphasizes the dynamics of spontaneous social change generated from below—a theoretical testimony to the rapid and fundamental social change in Eastern Europe in recent history. Against the fashions of postmodernist malaise, boredom, and disenchantment, his theory of social becoming expresses the possibility of emancipation, of change leading to positive gains. His work registers a belief in progress, not inevitably gained, but its attainment fully dependent upon the creativity and optimism of an active citizenry.
