Publication Date

1990

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Quinney, Richard

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Sociology

LCSH

Symbolic interactionism; Social psychology--Philosophy

Abstract

In light of calls for work that extends beyond existing paradigms in social psychology, as well as the need for greater interdisciplinary exchange, this thesis treats the relationship of the field to what is identified as a "new paradigm" in scientific thinking. Scholars from a variety of fields are offering a revised scientific and worldview that emerges as a new metaparadigm. The versions put forth are an attempt to complement existing scientific epistemology, based primarily on the Cartesian-Newtonian worldview. The research addresses the emergent character of this "new paradigm" and asks how developments in social psychology relate to this "new paradigm." Limitations of the Cartesian-Newtonian worldview have have been treated in a variety of other disciplines. Limitations in social psychology have manifested themselves in a disciplinary "crisis." The crisis indicated a "shift" from purely mechanistic conceptions of interactive processes to integrating varieties of social psychology, acknowledging extended concepts of self and identity, and exchanging with other areas of thought. The relationship of social psychology to "mindbody studies" is examined, an area of research that is aligned with "new paradigm" epistemology. The work includes an examination of research in social psychology and nonordinary mindbody states, largely from the symbolic interactionist perspective.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages 79-95)

Extent

iv, 95 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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