Cites the importance of computers and of mathematical graph theory in describing the key features of group structures and compares research based on these methods to research carried out by social psychologists in the 1940s and 1950s. Identifies major problems in the collection of network data about large groups whose boundaries are not…

Evaluates the current state of research on motivation of behavior as a response to proffered rewards. Most research has evaluated behavior in academic classrooms or laboratory problem-solving groups and has focused on a choice between (1) cooperation where everyone receives a similar reward when a performance standard has been met, and (2)…

Reviews the present status of cognitive theories in social psychology and summarizes major findings in the domain of attitude change. (Author)

Critiques the frustration-aggression hypothesis, which was developed in 1939 concerning the interplay of cognitive and motivational processes in aggressive behavior. The hypothesis suggested that frustration leads to aggression. The author's experiments show that the aversive experiences, not necessarily frustration, lead to aggression. (Author/AV)

The concept "patterns of cultural choice," defined as patterns of money and time use among which people may choose to some degree, is contrasted with terms such as lifestyle and subculture. Eight research articles, comprising this journal issue, which employ alternative strategies of isolating choice patterns, are introduced. (Author/RM)

Explores options for delivering on some of the promises of the Great Society, with the intent of inquiring into the possibility of retaining the best of the public sector's goals and combining them with the private sector's system of operating incentives. Also reviews criteria for the existence and operation of a public sector in the face of…

Discusses the basis on which the behavioral orientation to political science has been constructed: that there are discoverable uniformities in political behavior that can be expressed in generalizations; that the validity of such generalizations must be testable; and that theory and research are closely intertwined. Discusses both American and…

The problem considered is the discrepency between official classification of death as suicide, natural, or accidental and the classification of the research staff of a suicide prevention of facts by agency personnel. (DB)

Illustrates the differences between participatory action research (PAR) and action science by exploring Xerox Corporation's participatory action research (PAR) efforts. Points out practical limitations and conceptual gaps of PAR. Emphasizes that the key to valuable research is to meet the standards of appropriate rigor without sacrificing…

Uses a behavior model from control systems theory to analyze how we coordinate our own and each other's physical movements. Tests one person controlling a cursor with one handle or two, and two people controlling a cursor with two handles. Shows that control theory accurately predicts the results. (CH)

Considers some of the major categories of federally produced data resources, mentions some of the means of access to those resources, calls attention to some of the difficulties confronted in their use, and notes several developments that look toward more effective access by social scientists to those resources. (Author)

Socialization theory can contribute to consumer research because it focuses on (1) youth and development, (2) interaction of factors affecting consumer behavior, and (3) linkages between mental processes and overt behavior. Various approaches to socialization research and consumer research are described, including cognitive development and…

The Leisure Activity Survey is a large national data set collected in 1982 by the Bureau of the Census for the National Endowment for the Arts. Selected preliminary findings are discussed and several other uses of the data set are suggested. (Author/RM)

Extends control systems theory to analyze purposive collective behaviors, ranging from simple to complex, involving small and large groups. Suggests that complex collective phenomena can be explained as the repetition or combination of individual and collective sequences of action. Posits that control systems theory can be used to elucidate…